Jean (Humphrey) Proffitt died peacefully June 3, 2012, at the Carolina Meadows Health Center, Chapel Hill, N.C. where she was recuperating from a fall. Jean was born Sept. 26, 1920, in Junction City, KS., to Arthur Spencer and Anne (Malott) Humphrey.
Jean and her late husband, Roy F. Proffitt, had made the Carolina Meadows Retirement Community in Chapel Hill their home since 1989. The Humphreys, originally from England, were involved with the University of Kansas from its early days, when Jean's great-grandfather lectured at KU, followed by a legacy of lawyers with Jean's father's graduation from the law school in 1914. Jean was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. where she met Roy.
Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy F. Proffitt, on Oct. 2, 2011. Jean and Roy were married in March 1944, when their lives became one and remained as one for 67 years. They were known for their outgoing manner, welcoming people into their home, always making new friends.
Jean and Roy were both philanthropists. In 1992, they established the Humphrey School of Law Discretionary Fund at Kansas University memorializing the three Humphrey relatives who graduated from KU. The Roy F. and Jean Humphrey Proffitt Research Professorship in Law Fund was established at the University of Michigan, a fund that will assist many persons pursuing law degrees for years to come. Jean and Roy also supported the needs of many local nonprofit organizations.
Jean was also preceded in death by: sisters, Carolyn and Barbara Humphrey.
Jean is survived by; newphews, Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Proffitt (Tabby) of Grand Island, NE. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Proffitt (Carol) of Arvada, CO., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Proffitt (Margaret) of Lincoln, NE.; great-nephews, David Proffitt of Omaha, NE. and Ryan Proffitt of Lincoln, NE.; great-niece, Cynthia Gregoire; and a great-great-niece and great-great-nephew of Colorado; dearest friend, Naomi Bright of Chapel Hill, N.C., and her devoted friend, Kathleen Micol.
Cremation was handled by Cremation of the Carolinas. There will be no memorial service.
Published in The Grand Island Independent on June 10, 2012
