| Sources |
- [S104] Cocke County, Tennessee, and its People, Cocke County Heritage Book Committee, (Walsworth Publishing, 1992), 248, 266.
- [S113] Manes Funeral Home, (http://www.manesfuneralhome.com), 29 Mar 2008.
(January 12, 1957 - March 29, 2008)
Janet Wynn Sparks Proffitt, (Aunt Jan), age 51, of Newport, died, Saturday, March 29, 2008.
Jan was employed as a teacher at Newport Grammar School. She will be remembered for many things but it will be noted that she was a devoted basketball fan that was loyal to her team at home and away.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hugh and Kate Sparks, Parrottsville, Fern Nease, Parrottsville and Frank Nease, Greeneville; aunts, Francis Hammer, Knoxville and Mary Nease, Parrottsville. Jan is survived by her husband, Chris Prottitt, Newport; parents, Bill and Pat Sparks, Parrottsville; sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Bill Buda, Newport; brothers-in-law and their wives, Tony and Kathy Proffitt, Sevierville; Pat and Mary Proffitt, Newport; Mike and Barbara Proffitt, Newport; sister-in-law and husband, Eutha and Johnny Hageman, Rogersville. She was a cherished aunt to Meredith and Travis Fawver, Knoxville; Malerie Bailey, Orlando, Florida; Weston Bailey, Nashville; Morgan Buda, Newport; Matt and Jake Proffitt, Severville; Jessie Proffitt, Newport; Ben, Michelle and Logan Proffitt, Parrottsville; Travis Proffitt, Chicago, Illinois; Josh Hageman, Rogerville; Lori, James and Morgan Marzak, Orlando, Florida. She also leaves uncles, Ron Hammer,of Knoxville, Marcus Nease ,of Parrottsville, Charlie Nease ,of Maynardville, aunts Dorothy Bibee of Virginia, Doris Teague of Johnson City.
A memorial service for (Aunt) Jan will be held 7 p. m. Monday, March 31, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church.
Guests may sign the register between 5-7 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Elevator Fund, 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821; General Fund at Parrottsville United Methodist Church, 2033 Highway 321 Parrottsville, TN 37843; or the charity of your choice.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 16 Jan 2009.
NGS gymnasium named in honor of Jan Sparks Proffitt
Photos by Duay O'Neil Members of the Newport Board of Education were among those attending Thursday's dedication of the Newport Grammar School's gymnasium in memory of teacher Jan Proffitt. From left are board chair Charlotte Mims, board member Mickey Powers, Proffitt's husband Chris, board member Jan Brooks Sneed, and former board member Stacy Munn. Board member Bobby Smith was unable to attend.
NEWPORT-It was a night of celebration and remembrance at Newport Grammar School last evening when the family and friends of late teacher Jan Proffitt gathered for the unveiling of a plaque officially naming the facility the Jan Proffitt Memorial Gymnasium in her honor and memory.
Proffitt, long-time NGS teacher and sports figure, died suddenly last year.
In a ceremony held between the junior varsity games and the crowning of this year's homecoming queen, NGS Principal Sandy Burchette presided over the short ceremony.
She introduced Newport Board of Education member Jan Brooks Sneed, who spearheaded the memorial project.
Sneed called attention to Proffitt's dedication to her work as a teacher, a basketball coach, and a sports enthusiast.
She then introduced Proffitt's husband Chris.
"Your presence and applause are most humbling," Proffitt said, in stepping to the microphone. "It is with a humble heart that I come to you this evening."
In speaking of his wife, Proffitt said, "She was the most loving and caring person I have ever known. Many of you recall her love of daffodils. Last week, on the anniversary of her birthday I planted 51 daffodils in her memory so that her presence will be visible each spring."
Referring to the Newport Grammar School's mascot, Proffitt added, "Your school mascot is the warrior. Jan was always one to take on a challenge with the zest and zeal of a warrior. When we come into this gym and see her name, we'll be reminded of that."
He ended his remarks with by quoting from one of his wife's favorite poems: "When there are no words...know that the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of those who love you."
He was then joined by Janie Cooper and Dr. Jeff Foster, close family friends, who jointly presented the school a basketball signed by UT Coach Pat Head Summitt and members of the 2008 national women's championship basketball team.
Among those present at the dedication were Jan Proffitt's parents, Billy Hugh and Pat Sparks, Parrottsville, and her sister and brother-in-law, Bill and Kay Sparks Buda and daughters Meredith and Morgan, Newport.
Chris Proffitt's brothers, Tony, Mike, and Pat, and sister Eutha Proffitt Hageman, also attended.
The gym's new designation includes a plaque affixed to the lobby wall.
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1957 - 2008 (51 years)