| Sources |
- [S104] Cocke County, Tennessee, and its People, Cocke County Heritage Book Committee, (Walsworth Publishing, 1992), 23, 203.
- [S120] A Place Called Home: Our Story, David L. Popiel, Duay O'Neil, et. al., (2006, The Newport Plain Talk / Jones Media Inc.), dpopiel@xtn.net., 26.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 6 Mar 2012.
Landry shares stories of Heartland series production
Bill Landry renewed his friendship with Wilma Proffitt, center, on Saturday, when he signed copies of his new book Appalachian Tales & Heartland Adventures at the Newport/Cocke County Community Center. At left is Proffitt's daughter Marilyn Benson.
Author: Duay O'Neil
NEWPORT-Popular television personality and historian Bill Landry regaled an audience of over 50 on Saturday at the Newport/Cocke County Community Center with stories of the production of the long-running Heartland series and autographed copies of his latest book Appalachian Tales & Heartland Adventures.
Sponsored by Cocke County Library Friends, the event came about as a result of a conversation Landry had with Chris Edmonds, a local history buff and admirer of Landry's work. Shortly before Christmas, Edmonds and his wife Christy attended a book signing Landry held in Knoxville and while there asked Landry if he would come to Newport for a similar event.
"We're thrilled to host this event," said Carol Hagen, newly-elected Library Friends President. "We've bought four copies-one for each of Cocke County's libraries."
Among those present was Wilma Proffitt, who renewed her friendship with Landry and recalled the time he interviewed her brother, Clyde Bell, Sr., now 94, about his days as a photographer's assistant during the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "Clyde will be so jealous," laughed Proffitt, "because I'm here and he's not."
For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 5 Apr 2012.
Gala celebration marks Wilma Proffitt's 90th birthday
©2012 NPT PHOTO BY DUAY O'NEIL
Wilma Proffitt, left, receives congratulations from friend Evelyn Smith, right, at the celebration of Proffitt's 90th birthday last weekend.
Author: Duay O'Neil
NEWPORT-She's the head of a four-generation family, with members found around the world. She's known far and wide as "The Bread Lady." She's an indefatigable church leader. For over a decade, she guided more than one generation of Cocke County pre-schoolers on their first educational journeys. And she continues to keep up a pace of activities that leave her much younger friends breathless.
On Friday, March 30, Wilma Proffitt turned 90 years old, and on Saturday, she greeted swarms of family members and friends who gathered to celebrate her special day.
Dressed regally in a beautiful purple afternoon suit with complimenting pumps, she was quick to call attention to the matching necklace made by her niece Nanette Kuzmaul Williams of Florida.
Surrounded by displays of family photos stretching back to World War I days, the nonagenarian laughed, smiled, and hugged her guests who brought cards and flowers to one of Newport's best known and most beloved citizens.
Born March 30, 1922 in the Catons Grove community of Cosby, she's the daughter of the late James and Nancy (Presnell) Bell, one of the couple's eleven children. Even though she's 90, Wilma is still the baby sister of Clyde Bell, who'll turn 95 next week, and Hazel Bell Kuzmaul, whose 92nd birthday will be August 26. The fourth surviving child is Charles Bell, a mere 75.
For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 27 Sep 2013.
Proffitt donates CCC memorabilia to GSMNP
©2013 NPT PHOTO BY DUAY O’NEIL
GSMNP Museum Curator John McDade examines a large photo of CCC workers donated to the Park by Wilma Proffitt, right.
Author: Duay O'Neil
NEWPORT - Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s archives are richer today through the generosity of Wilma Proffitt.
On Monday, Sept. 23, Proffitt donated several photos and other memorabilia related to the Civilian Conservation Corps to the Park.
GSMNP Museum Curator John McDade came to Newport to accept the gifts.
Proffitt's decision to place the yellowing photos and other items in the Park's care came after she attended the 80th anniversary celebration of the CCC on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Sugarlands Visitors Center. An honored guest that day was Proffitt's older brother, Clyde Bell, Sr., age 96, one of four CCC veterans in attendance.
Bell and his wife of over 70 years, Elsie, traveled from their home in Hawthorne, Florida, to attend the event.
“I’ve always had a deep interest in and appreciation of the CCC’s and their work,” said Proffitt.
In addition to her brother, Clyde, another brother, Chester, and her husband Joe Creighton Prof? tt, Sr. both now deceased, were CCC boys.
And her sister, Hazel Bell Kuszmaul, 93, a Pennsylvania resident, unwittingly became an icon of the CCC days.
“We had just gotten home from school and our mother told Hazel to start churning,” recalled Prof? tt. “While she was doing that, Clyde and Charles Grossman arrived after a day traveling through the mountains taking photographs of cabins, barns, and other outbuildings for the Park’s archives.
“When Mr. Grossman saw Hazel churning out on the porch, he insisted on taking her picture. Eventually it was used on the large billboard at Clingman’s Dome and, at one time, was the most requested photo of the Park.”
After talking with her family, Prof? tt contacted the Park and offered the CCC memorabilia. “We are thrilled to accept these items,” said McDade. “Several of these photos are new to us.”
Of particular interest was a picture taken inside one of the CCC buildings showing the workers playing pool. “You just don’t see many ‘action’ photos like this,” said McDade.
“I feel like these pictures and other items don’t just belong to me,” said Prof? tt. “They are part of our nation’s history and should be available to everyone. And my family will know where they are.”
- [S113] Manes Funeral Home, (http://www.manesfuneralhome.com), 8 Jan 2016.
(March 30, 1922 - January 8, 2016)
Wilma Faye Bell Proffitt, age 93, went to her Heavenly home on January 8, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born March 30, 1922 in the Caton’s Grove Community of Cocke County. Wilma was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was known for her unconditional love, great faith, compassion, and service to her community and church. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe C. Proffitt, Sr; parents, James and Nancy Presnell-Bell; mother and father-in-law Arlie and Edna Proffitt; brothers, Chester (Revel) Bell, James Bell, Charles Bell, and Edmond Bell; sisters, Mary Bell (Doyle) Smith, Dorothy Bell Ogle, Louise Bell Kyker, and Aileen Bell. She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Charles Kuszmaul, Charles (Mabel) Proffitt; and sisters- in -law Ima Kate (Ellis) Williams, Otha Proffitt, and Lois Proffitt. She is survived by her children, Joe (Linda) Proffitt, Marilyn (Charles) Benson, Louise (Jimmy) Hux, Benny (Marilou) Proffitt and honorary son, Bill (Melanie) Duncan. Grandchildren: Shannon (Jeff) Smith, Chuck (Tabbatha) Benson, Dustin (Jennifer) Hux, Alecia (Chris) Allen, Whitney Holt, Mandy (Eric) Gregg, Shawndee (Jason) Lovoy, BJ (Melissa) Proffitt, Travis (Cristy) Proffitt, Joey (Jackie) Proffitt, and honorary grandson Derrick Duncan; great grandchildren Harrison, Elizabeth, and Emersen Smith; Abby, Jake, and Cooper Benson; Emory Addison, and Bristol Hux; Ty and Tatum Allen; Rebecca Laws, Joseph Holt; Aaron and Madilynn Gregg; Isaac, Juliette, James, and Mary Rose Lovoy; Carsyn and Kailyn Proffitt; and Ruby, Griffin, and Priscilla Proffitt; brother, Clyde (Elsie) Bell; sister, Hazel Kuszmaul; and brothers-in-law Denzil Proffitt and Roy Proffitt She is also survived by a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, and church friends everywhere. The family will receive friends at Memorial Baptist Church on Monday, January 11, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 pm at the Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Harold Ball officiating. Interment will be held at Union Cemetery on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, gift donations may be made to First Priority Global, 3108 Natom A Circle, Thompson Station, TN 37179; Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, 222 Heritage Blvd, Newport, TN 37821; or Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 1132, Newport, TN 37822. The family would like to thank Tennova Newport Medical Center and Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for the excellent care provided. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangement by Manes Funeral Home.
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