Jo Lou Strong

Jo Lou Watson Strong, 81, of Raleigh North Carolina, died December 9, 2021. She was born December 24th, 1939 to Mary Louise Bazemore Watson and John Carl Watson. Jo Lou was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, loyal friend and avid nature lover. Jo enjoyed trail hiking with friends and dogs, jogging, playing four square, and was a talented horsewoman who loved all animals.

She attended Needham B. Broughton high school, class of 1958. After Graduation from Elon University, she married Lewis Moore Strong in 1963 and moved to Long Island NY for his first job. They returned to Raleigh in 1971 and together raised two children, John and Sandra.

Jo dedicated her life to helping others, especially children. She taught Kindergarten in Wake County for 17 years and spent her summers working with young women at her beloved Camp Crestridge for Girls in Black Mountain NC. Jo was long time member of First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh where she sang in the choir and involved her 5 grandchildren in the vibrant youth activities. Jo served as a quiet example of God’s acceptance of all people and unconditional love. She was loved by all who knew her, she will be missed.

She was predeceased by her husband Lewis Strong and her son John Strong.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra Jo Strong (Jody): grandchildren Cassie Strong, Meghan Strong, Avalon Taylor, Holden Strong, Grayson Vicsik; daughter in law Leigh Anne Strong; sister in law Elizabeth Strong.

A Service for family and friends will be held at 2:00pm Friday December 17th at First Presbyterian Church Raleigh NC. Rev. Dr. Ed McLeod will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Camp Crestridge for Girls, First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh NC, Alzheimers Association Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help, or the North Carolina Animal Federation.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.