Dee Brock, a pivotal figure in the evolution of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and a committed community advocate in Tyler, has died at the age of 96. News of her passing has prompted many to recall her significant contributions, both during her transformative years with the Cowboys and her subsequent life of service in the Tyler area.
Brock’s close friend, Marilyn Wills, described her profound character, noting that Brock’s inner beauty likely surpassed her striking physical appearance. Wills highlighted Brock's extensive work in Tyler, particularly her long tenure on the local library board. Brock was known as an avid reader, often engaged with several books simultaneously, and held a firm belief that everyone in the community should have equitable access to reading materials and the resources provided by libraries. This conviction fueled her sustained involvement with the library system.
Beyond her dedication to literacy, Brock was also a passionate proponent of democracy and civic engagement. Wills shared that Brock took pride in helping people understand their voting rights and encouraged them to be active participants in the democratic process. These twin passions for community well-being and informed civic action characterized much of her life in Tyler.
Prior to her deep engagement with East Texas community work, Brock left an indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys organization in the 1960s. As a former high school cheerleader, Brock became instrumental in shaping the Cowboys’ cheerleading squad. She persistently raised the idea with Cowboys executive Tex Schramm for three to four years, advocating for a cheerleading squad that better reflected the team's diverse fanbase. Brock observed that "a lot of fans were black, and all these kids around and so on," underscoring her push for greater representation. Her steadfast efforts eventually led Schramm to grant her approval to implement her vision, significantly changing the composition of the cheerleading squad.
Months before her death, Brock received recognition during Women’s History Month for her work as an educator and her consistent efforts to open doors for others. Her influence was felt by those she encountered, whether through her pioneering work in professional sports or her dedicated service within the Tyler community. Her legacy is defined by both the visible transformation of a prominent national entertainment entity and the steady, impactful work of local advocacy, ensuring access to knowledge and promoting civic participation for her neighbors in Tyler.
