Obituary: Josephine Shropshire “Jo” Charles, HPE Faculty Member

LAFAYETTE ~ Funeral services will be held Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel in Carencro for Josephine Shropshire Charles, age 83, who passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Interment will be in Evangeline Memorial Gardens in Carencro. Pastor Troy Smith, Sr. will officiate at the services.

Josephine “Ms. Jo” Shropshire-Charles, a beloved educator, mentor, and community leader, transitioned peacefully surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Gloster, Mississippi, Ms. Jo was the sixth of ten children born to the late Gladys Bonds-Shropshire and Herman Shropshire. She was a proud mother to one daughter, Tanya Charles-Brown of Lafayette, and a devoted grandmother to Chelsea (Scotty) Charles-McClure, Cody Brown, and Carson Brown. She also leaves behind a niece she lovingly raised, Shelby “Monique” (Kenneth) Christian of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Ms. Jo’s academic journey reflected her lifelong passion for education and movement. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus 30, in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, concentrating in Health, Physical Education, and Dance.

She began her teaching career in the East Baton Rouge Parish and Acadia Parish public school systems, where she inspired countless students before transitioning to higher education. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly USL), Ms. Jo served as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, where she taught ballroom dance, aerobics, and supervised student teachers. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom as she dedicated herself to promoting wellness and joy throughout the community.

Ms. Jo worked many summers with the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department, organizing programs for children and adults alike. In 1975, she founded an adult exercise program that served as a cornerstone for community fitness in Lafayette and later established the beloved Tiny Tots School of Dance. Her classes at Heymann Park, MLK Center, and Domingue Center became fixtures of community connection, health, and happiness.

A true pioneer, Ms. Jo created numerous programs to serve diverse and senior populations, including the Diabetic Walking Program, Step Aerobics, and Sittercise. Her guiding motto, “Move it or lose it,” became a mantra for all who participated in her programs, motivating generations to live active, healthy, and vibrant lives.

Her professional and civic contributions earned her many honors, including the Women of Excellence Award from the City of Lafayette, the LAHPERD Minority Award, and the Tribute to Excellence Award from the National Association of University Women—each recognizing her leadership, educational impact, and community service.

Even after retiring from ULL, Ms. Jo’s passion for teaching never waned. She returned to the classroom as a Physical Education Instructor at Immaculate Heart of Mary School and later continued her service through work with the Council on Aging and The Greenhouse. Her lifelong commitment to education, wellness, and empowerment left an enduring legacy across the Acadiana region.

Ms. Jo was also deeply engaged in community and cultural life. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, she embodied the sorority’s ideals of sisterhood and service. For many years, she choreographed the Father-Daughter Dance and the Debutantes’ Waltz for the annual Debutante Ball—creating cherished memories for families across generations. She was also a joyful and active member of the Red Hat Society, where her laughter and vibrant spirit brightened every gathering.

She is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, siblings Artmease Williams (Gloster, MS), Bernice “Bunny” Brown (San Diego, CA), Bessie (Stafford) Thompson (Enterprise, AL), Clinton (Mary) Shropshire (Gonzales, LA), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and former students who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Caszine Shropshire and Eunice Lee “Pat” Williams; and brothers Lonnie Shropshire, Sr., John Henry Shropshire, and Carl Shropshire.

Ms. Jo’s legacy will continue to move through every life she touched—in every dance step, every classroom, and every smile she inspired. Her favorite saying will forever remind us: “Move it or lose it.”

The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 9:00 a.m. Monday until service time on Monday.

Pallbearers will be Cedric Bonds, Ty Bonds, Fredrick Bonds, Kenneth Christian, Stafford Thompson, Jr., and Kervin Winfield.

Melancon Funeral Home, Evangeline Memorial Gardens Chapel, 4117 N. University Ave., Carencro, (337) 896-3232, is in charge of arrangements.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Josephine, please visit our Tree Store.

Athletic Network Footnote: Jo was a good friend and fellow faculty member. She loved teaching and it showed in all her efforts with students.

Condolences to her family and friends.

Peace, Ed Dugas
athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu