Jo Lynne Phinizy

Jo Lynne Phinizy passed away on July 7th surrounded by her immediate family. Born July 15, 1945 to Joseph V. and Georgia P. Birkhead in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jo Lynne graduated at the top of her class from Harding High School, a public progressive college preparatory school with an astounding matriculation rate of over 98%. After earning her BS in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma, she completed an internship at the OU Medical Center and was certified as a Medical Technologist. Jo Lynne worked in this field, mainly doing research, until her retirement from Scott and White Hospital in 2004. Jo Lynne married John A. Phinizy in 1967 and they have one son, John A. Phinizy, III. Jo Lynne loved music and sang in several choirs in churches from Alaska to New Mexico. While living in Temple and Austin Texas, she volunteered with several arts organizations, including the University of Texas Performing Arts Center. Early in their 46-year marriage, they both enjoyed camping in remote wilderness locations. Her sweet and kind spirit was always evident as she truly listened and cared about others. All who knew her admired her steadfast work ethic and quiet devotion to her family. She is survived by her husband, son, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ana C. Esquivel, as well as her faithful service dog, "Fluffy" (pictured below). A memorial service will be held soon at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Roswell, NM to celebrate her internment at the columbarium there. The date will be announced. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Jo Lynne's name she humbly requested all monies go to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, in lieu of flowers or gifts. Make a gift online at interlochen.org or by mail (4000 Hwy M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643) and simply mention her name, or please donate to a charity of your choice.