Reba Faye Sane

Reba Faye Sane, age 96, of Parrottsville, died Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gray Sparks, Sr. and Mattie (McGaha) Sparks, and one brother Gray Sparks, Jr. Reba Faye married the love of her life, Herbert Hoover Sane, on August 15, 1953. They had a happy marriage for sixty-eight (68) years and were blessed with their daughter, Amy Teresa Sane, who they loved dearly. Reba Faye graduated from East Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Education. Reba Faye spent forty-six (46) years teaching children. She began her teaching career in 1948 at Mannings Chapel School. She later moved to Newport Grammar School and ended her teaching career in the classroom at Parrottsville Elementary. After retirement, she continued to teach children through Sunday school at her church, Parrottsville United Methodist, and through her church’s “Wonderful Wednesday” Program which was near and dear to her heart. Reba Faye was a member of Parrottsville United Methodist Church and was involved in the choir, the Clothes Closet, and children’s sermons. Reba Faye enjoyed a full life after retirement. She loved reading, gardening, and visiting with friends and family. Many remember her by her delicious cakes. Reba Faye remained involved in her community by volunteering at the Cancer society and the Newport Museum. She was involved in several organizations, including The Red Hat Society, Retired Teachers Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Alpha Delta Kappa. While Reba Faye touched so many lives through teaching and community involvement, likely her most favorite role was being “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were precious to her. Reba Faye is survived by her daughter Amy (Phil) Williams, grandchildren Corbin Williams and Maddie (Isaac) Copes, great grandchildren Lennon Gray Williams, Lawson Faye Copes, Frankie Tyler Williams, Sutton Rose Copes, and sister-in-law Jean Sparks. The family would like to express their upmost gratitude and appreciation for the phenomenal and wonderful staff at Wellington Manor who loved and looked after Reba Faye as their own family. In addition, they would like to thank the amazing staff at Smoky Mountain Hospice for their care of Reba Faye. The family will forever be grateful. Memorial remembrances may be directed to Wellington Manor in Newport (checks to be made out to Angelina Messer), Parrottsville United Methodist Church, or American Cancer Society. The Family will receive friends from 10:00am-12:00pm Friday, March 20, 2026, with funeral services following at 12:00pm in Manes Funeral Home Chapel, with Chris Stanfield officiating. Burial will be held immediately following the funeral services in Union Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manefuenralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Reba Faye Sane

March 24, 1929 - March 16, 2026