Pauline McCormick (Polly) Proffitt

Polly was born on February 15, 1928, in West Palm Beach, FL to the late Charlie R. McCormick and Bonnie Law McCormick.

Polly lived in Florida most of her life working for the Post Office in Summerfield and Belleview, FL; Office manager for New York Life Insurance in Orlando; Secretary for Orlando Livery Service, Church Secretary and Church Hostess for Delaney Street Baptist Church, Orlando. In 1962, she worked as executive secretary of Island Cement in Freeport Grand Bahama Island when she moved her family there to be near their father who worked on the missile base. In 1978, she moved to Memphis, TN where she worked as the Food Services Manager for Mid America Theological Baptist Seminary until her retirement.

Polly was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved her family and was at her happiest when her large family was with her. She hosted many large events, often showing her skills in the kitchen with delicious food.

Polly was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, and her church. She loved singing hymns and knew all the words to each one. She sang from her heart with love for God.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Proffitt; and her siblings, John McCormick and Gwenn McCormick.

She is survived by her siblings Cathryn (Kitty) Cain, Ella Marie Jamison, and Charlie R. McCormick, her children, John Lucius (Debra) of Titusville, FL, Bonny Whitten (Late Joseph) of Mercer, TN, David Lucius (Sheila) of Toone, TN, Steve Lucius of Mercer, TN, John Proffitt (Lisa) of (Dawsonville, GA), Angie Proffitt of Lakewood, CO, and Julie Hayes (Robbin) of Melbourne, FL; her grandchildren, Doug Lucius (Holland), Chris Lucius, Misty Lucius, JonPaul Lucius (Amanda), Rachal Teixeira (Andrew), Nathan Lucius, Ashley Ross (Robert), Amber Heidelberg (Daniel), Amanda White (Collin), Holly Hawkins (Danny), Tyler Lucius (Sarah), Kaitlin Price (Will), Kyle Lunati (Stephanie), Stacie Piccola (Derek), Chelsea Bagley (Ben), Ashley Proffitt, Jim O’Malley (Crissy), Kelly Levy (Chris), Kim Mellberg (Joe), Doug Hayes, 59 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, 1544 S Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301. Burial will follow in Mercer/Hayes Chapel Cemetery, 1424 1544 S Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301 TN-138, Mercer, TN 38392. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m., one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations made in honor of Pauline Proffitt to the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Donations may be made in one of two ways: mail a check made out to Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2095 Appling Rd, Cordova TN 38016 Note on the check that it is “In Memory of Mrs. Pauline McCormick Proffitt" or go to the website at https://www.mabts.edu/give to give online. All major credit cards are accepted, along with GooglePay and ACH bank transfers. Recurring gifts may be set up there if desired.