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 Proffitt, 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.

Both Jan and Chris have been long time supporters of the East Tennessee Walking Horse Association as well as the entire walking horse industry.