Obituary of Norma Louise Proffitt

Nancy Proffitt passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas H. Brown, Sr and Queenie Bethel Brown, her brother, Thomas H. Brown, Jr., her sister, Viola Maxine Neighbors, her daughter, Cherie Deyerle Harris and her son, Steven Proffitt. She is survived by her husband, James Proffitt, son, Scott Proffitt (Cora) of Fayetteville, GA and son, Michael Deyerle of Roanoke, VA. She was a loving Nana and Grandmother to seven grandchildren: Casey Motley (Angela), Aaron Deyerle (Tanya), Mandi Deyerle McDonough (Joshua), Paul Deyerle (Mike), Cameron, Caden and Derek Proffitt, seven great grandchildren, an aunt, Margie Brown and a sister-in-law, Joyce Brown who will cherish her memory. Nancy was born in Roanoke, VA and graduated from Jefferson High School where she was known for her energetic and outgoing personality. As our family’s matriarch she epitomized what it meant to be a loving and kind person to everyone while bringing the family together. The one thing that made Nancy stand out was her love for people and more importantly that “All People Loved Nancy”. Her life’s work not only included caring for her children and husband but she became an advocate to promote better treatment and support services for those with brain disorders. This led her to work tirelessly for many years and she was instrumental in establishing the Roanoke Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) where she held many positions including president. She also served on the Virginia Patients’ Advocacy Board for the Protection of the Mentally Ill and the VA Hospital Drug Research Program Board. Dedication to her family did not limit her but drove her to new meet new challenges and achieve unbelievable accomplishments. Memorials may be made to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, P. O. Box 20864, Roanoke, VA 24018. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday Jan 14th, at 11am at St. James Episcopal Church, 4515 Delray Street, with the Rev. Susan E. Bentley officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, Jan 13 at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road. 540 366-0707.