BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Elizabeth Pritchard Brock, a prominent business figure and pioneering woman in Georgia manufacturing circles, died Saturday, July 2, 2016, from complications due to progressive spranuclear palsy. She was 77.
She was born Elizabeth Ann Pritchard on October 2, 1938, eldest daughter of the union of James Riley and Mildred Anna Pritchard of Heaton, N.C. She attended Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, Tenn., and was graduated summa cum laude from East Tennessee State University with a degree in business management.
In the early 1970s, Elizabeth founded Pallets, Inc. in Gwinnett County, manufacturing specialty hardwood pallets for shipping and warehousing. She operated this business some 40 years, until failing health forced her to retire in 2012. As a business owner in Gwinnett County, she was active in the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and aided its growth.
Elizabeth served on the executive board of directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years, shepherding the organization’s growth from the Business Council of Georgia to the influential institution it is today. She was often called to testify before the Georgia General Assembly, representing the state’s manufacturers. Her proudest achievement while on the board was founding, along with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the STAR Student program to recognize the state’s brightest high school seniors and their teachers. She was the mistress of ceremonies for the state-wide STAR Student awards banquet for 19 years. She was vice-chair of the Governor’s Health Strategies Council until it was adjourned. Later, she served on the board of the Lake Lanier Island Authority.
A lifelong learner, Elizabeth earned her private pilot’s license in her 50s, was a member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, and served as the state president of the Georgia Pilots Association. She enjoyed volunteering with the USO and faithfully greeted soldiers flying through Atlanta’s airport every Thanksgiving.
A member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church since moving to Atlanta in 1970, Elizabeth served as lead usher for nearly 20 years.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Elliott Ballard; seven siblings; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Elizabeth Pritchard Brock’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 11, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Luke’s Endowment Fund, 435 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308.