Doris Jolibois: Fit at 80 Years Young

Doris Jolibois: Fit at 80 Years Young

Morning Msfits Honor One of Their Own Who Remains Active At 80 Years Old

by Roxanne Atkinson

CENTRAL — Doris Jolibois was honored by her aerobic family, the Morning Msfits, with a surprise 80th birthday party recently at the Bob Baker Family Life Center at Magnolia United Methodist church.

Doris has worked out faithfully since she began aerobic exercise classes with Aerobics by Roxanne at Zoar Baptist Church in 1988.  Lynette Shaffett was her instructor there.  Doris moved to Blackwater Methodist and then Peggy’s Dance Studio where her instructors were Toni Keating and Jackie Rembert.

Finally, she moved to her current workout facility at Magnolia United Methodist Church at 16024 Greenwell Springs Rd. where she comes faithfully two or three times per week.

Doris has her own spot on the back row with her exercise buddies Marcia Easley, Laurie Thomas and Nancy Carlyle.  These three are affectionately called The Three Stooges.  Their antics lighten the mood and keep aerobics fun.

Doris was born to Emma and Simon Charrier on Sept. 2, 1931, in Dupont, Louisiana.  She and her husband Cedo have four children, three girls and one son.  Together they have eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Doris says Cedo is her biggest fan and encourager.  He encourages her to continue her exercise program and sees to it that she goes every week.  Her children are so proud of her as well.

Through the years, Doris has had health challenges that have slowed her down.  She had knee replacement surgery several years ago, but with therapy and her doctor insisting that she get back to exercise, she was back in her spot in no time.

Quitting was never an option for Doris.  She no longer uses the aerobic step, but works out with weights and does the entire routine with no bench.  She is always there to encourage “the young ones” and she says we help her as well.

Doris has a quick wit that everyone enjoys.  Her other instructors, Tori Murry and Missy Drude, have said that they want to be just like her when they grow up!

Her positive attitude has seen her through some difficult life situations.  She was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and her doctor told her specifically to keep exercising.  Not only does it help by working the brain, exercise also helps to slow down the effects of the disease.

Doris says, “Aerobics has kept me physically fit.  It’s kept me in line and it has certainly saved my sanity!  I come to class and all my problems leave me.  I fellowship and visit with my friends.  I will come as long as I can.  I have my permanent spot on the back row.  Who else will keep all these young ones in line, if not me?  I do what I can, and I keep coming back!”

“I wish all people would exercise.  Age is not an excuse… It’s a challenge.  Exercise and watch what you eat.  Eat good food.  And no matter what, keep moving….no matter what, stay active.  If I can do it, you can too!”

I must admit…. After being her instructor all these years, I have come to believe in Doris and I want to be just like her when I grow up too!  Happy Birthday, Doris!  80 years young!


 

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