TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - News of Dee Brock’s death has brought forward memories from those who knew her, both from her years with the Cowboys and from her life afterward in Tyler.
“Dee was beautiful, stunning to see. But the interesting thing is she was as beautiful on the end, probably far more beautiful on the inside than she was physically.”
Life after the Cowboys
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Brock was recognized during Women’s History Month, months before her death, for her work as an educator and for opening doors for others.
Her close friend, Marilyn Wills, met with a reporter at the Tyler library and discussed knowing Brock in her post-Cowboys era.
“Thank you for asking about her contributions to the Tyler area because that’s what I am most familiar with. The Dallas Cowboys was before me, and it’s interesting that we’re here at the library today because that was one of her passions. D was an avid reader she always had several books going, but she believed everyone should have access to reading books and libraries. So she was on the library board for many years.”
Wills said Brock was also interested in helping others in the community.
“Another thing that she was very proud of and helpful with, she loved democracy. She wanted to serve in someway to help people understand voting rights, and be active.”
Early cheerleading years
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Brock, a former high school cheerleader, had a strong impact on those she encountered. Brock spoke about her path to becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader in the 1960s.
“You know a lot of fans were black, and all these kids around and so on. So I just kept after it and eventually it happened.”
According to Brock, she had raised the idea with Cowboys executive Tex Schramm for three to four years about having the cheering squad reflect the team. She said that by the third or fourth year, Schramm told her to do what she wanted to do.
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