Helen Proffitt

Helen Proffitt, age 82, passed away on November 11, 2024, in Abingdon, Virginia, with her husband Ron and her children Katrina, Chris and Olivia by her side. Helen was born in Lebanon, Virginia and was a graduate of Lebanon High School. Graduating early from high school, she entered the Johnston Memorial Hospital School for Registered Nursing where she graduated and received the Dr. Phil Smith award. She was first employed at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee where she met her husband Ron Proffitt. Helen and Ron fell in love immediately and were married in Lebanon, Virginia, a marriage that lasted over 61 years. Helen and Ron were inseparable, and any hard times they faced in life only brought them closer together.

Helen's career as a nurse took her to several roles, serving as an ICU nurse, General Floor duty, Surgical Step Down, Psych Unit, Gastroenterology Nurse, Admission Nurse and instructor of Nursing Assistants at Virginia Highlands Community College. Helen loved serving others with her nursing skills, and her kindness extended to members of her extended family and church. Helen was a charter member of First Christian Church in Abingdon, Virginia where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for children. In addition to being a licensed Registered Nurse, she was also a Certified Gastroenterology Nurse (CGRN). 

If there was anything that would characterize Helen's life, it would be her genuine love and concern for others. Even when she met a stranger that might share a difficulty or problem in their life, Helen would offer kind words and share her Christian love and concern. This was not just with words but with action or any assistance she could offer.

Helen is survived by her husband, Dr. Ron Proffitt; daughters, Katrina Crise (Tom) and Olivia Kestner (Wayne); son, Chris Proffitt (Leeanne); grandsons, Tim Johnston (Krista) and Andrew Johnston (Briana); granddaughter, Halayna Bas; great-grandson, Hunter Johnston; sisters, Harvelene Boyd and Hester (Jenny) Britton; and several cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Harvey and Helen Barton; two brothers, Dean and Darryl Barton; and grandson, Justin Johnston. Helen's pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandson was beyond amazing. 

The family would like to thank the nurses from CARiS Healthcare and a special note to Michelle. The family is also appreciative of the food and cards from family, neighbors and church members. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at First Christian Church, 185 Old Jonesboro Road, Abingdon, Virginia with the funeral following at 2:00 pm. Minister Tom Crise will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens and pallbearers will be Tim Johnston, Andrew Johnston, Mike Lawson, Mark Scott, Steve Proffitt and Harvey Boyd. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Hunter Johnston, Halayna Bas, John Scott, Joe Boyd, Jason Barton, Dylan Kestner and Kloe Kestner. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's honor to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.

The family of Helen Proffitt is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210 (276-623-2700).