Mary Josephine Allen Grice

Jo Allen Grice, Ph.D, age 81 of Raleigh, passed away on December 11, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Ephesus Baptist Church in Raleigh. Interment will immediately follow the service at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Jo Allen Grice, daughter of Thomas Roy Allen and Pearl Bobbitt Allen, was born on January 14, 1937 in Henderson, North Carolina. She graduated from Aycock School in Henderson. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ and was a member of Carey Baptist Church. A dedicated scholar, Jo received an associate degree in liberal arts from Chowan Junior College, where she earned a full academic scholarship. She received her medical technologist certification at Rex Hospital where she was recognized for earning the highest score on record. While working full-time for North Carolina State University, she continued her education, receiving a bachelor of science degree, a master’s degree in Animal Science and a Ph.D in Physiology. She began her career as a medical technologist at Rex Hospital. In 1963, she became a research technician in the animal science department of N. C. State University. When the School of Veterinary Medicine opened, she continued her work in the parasitology lab, leading labs for veterinary students who recognized her for outstanding teaching. She enjoyed a 30-year career with the university. Jo was an active member of Ephesus Baptist Church for 55 years, participating in many of its ministries. She was a founding member of the Lady Slipper Garden Club in Medfield Estates. She and her husband, Lynwood, were on the Board of Visitors at Chowan University. In 2012, they received a Distinguished Alumni award. She is survived by Lynwood Grice, her devoted husband of 60 years. Her beautiful life will be cherished in the lives of her children: Kim Brennan and husband, Jeff of Apex, Woody Grice and wife, Heather of Greensboro and Robin Rubish and husband, John of Houston. Her legacy of love also continues in her granddaughters, Shannon Brennan and Anya Rubish. Jo and Lynwood enjoyed Morehead City as a home away from home for over 50 years. They loved boating, swimming and walks on the beach with family and many close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ephesus Baptist Church Library Fund at 6767 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27606.