Josephine "Jo" Schumm Shoptaw, 87, passed away peacefully November 12, 2024, in Gallatin, Tennessee. Born September 1, 1937, in Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England, Jo was a cherished wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who leaves behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and resilience. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Schumm, her mother, Margaret Schumm, her beloved husband, Thurman Shoptaw, her cherished grandson, Tyler Watson, and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Church. Jo is survived by her two daughters, Karen Watson and Dana Arnett, her son-in-law, Carey, and her grandchildren, who affectionally called her "JoJo":  Grant Watson, Reed Watson, Jordan Arnett (Sarah), Jacob Arnett (Morgan), and Joanna Arnett; her great-grandchildren, Avery Arnett, Andie Arnett, and Elliott Arnett; her dear sister, Maxine Church and nephew, Dean Church (Kelly).  Jo's family was the heart of her world, and she was deeply devoted to them.  She worked as a legal secretary, but her passions extended far beyond her career. She enjoyed taking group aerobics classes, oil painting, knitting, and crafting, and she was her grandchildren's biggest fan. She was an active member of her local church and taught ESL (English as a Second Language) classes alongside her husband. Her kind and gentle nature will be fondly remembered by all who were blessed to have known her. Jo's life was a testament to strength and grace. She faced each challenge with unwavering faith. In her final days, Jo reflected on her long journey with Parkinson's disease, saying, "I spent too much time trying to find a cure for all this, you know?" She found peace knowing that the ultimate Cure awaited her in Heaven.  As she passed from this life, Jo was embraced by the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Healer. She is now whole and healed in His presence, and her family takes comfort in the knowledge that she is home. Jo's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all who were touched by her love and spirit. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and staff of Capstone at Station Camp in Gallatin, Tennessee, and Aveana Hospice in Hendersonville, Tennessee for their compassionate and devoted care of Jo throughout her residency, as well as the unwavering support and comfort they provided to her family during this time.  An intimate family graveside service will be held at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, where Jo will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jo's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, https://give.michaeljfox.org/ as she had long hoped for advancements in Parkinson's treatment.

Bartlett-Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Center is honored to serve the family of Josephine Schumm Shoptaw; bartlettheritage.com; (901) 372-5555.