Obituary of Jean N. Player

Jean Napier Player went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 20, 2018.  Jean was born June 10, 1933 in Welch, West Virginia to the late Gilbert Thomas Napier and Madonna Garrison Napier.

Jean was educated in the Martinsville, West Virginia School System.  She was the youngest of seven children.  Jean married her husband, Paul, in 1952, and they were married for 63 years prior to his death.  She worked as an administrative assistant for the District Manager of State Farm Insurance Company, and also worked for various State Farm agents before retiring in 1998. 

Jean was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia for over 40 years where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of West Columbia for the last 15 years and active in the Naomi Faithful Sunday School Class and the Prayer Ministry.  Jean lived at Brookdale Senior Living in 2015 with her husband, and during that time, started a daily devotional group.  She also became a Brookdale Ambassador, responsible for welcoming new residents.  Jean was always positive and cheerful, and always kind and caring for others despite struggling with many physical limitations.  Her passion in life was to minister to others first.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Paul Samuel Player; and sisters, Edna Benfield, Inez Young, Lura Gentry and Virginia Gentry; and her brothers, Lee Napier and Milford Napier.  Surviving are her daughters, Paula P. Taylor (Charlie) of Leesville, Phyllis P. Langley (Harry) of Columbia and Pamela L. Player of Columbia.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Charles “Chuck” Taylor, Jr., Emily Taylor Talley (Wesley), Phillip Langley, Garrison Crews and Samantha Crews. 

Jean had a green thumb, loved reading books and writing short stories.  Two of her short stories were published in The State Paper.  She also loved sewing and made all of her daughter’s wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses.  She loved her family and especially enjoyed getting the grandchildren together. 

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of West Columbia on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the church Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of West Columbia, 400 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.

The family would like to thank Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Medical Center, Dr. Gwendolyn Galphin, Right At Home, Home Instead, and MSA Hospice.  A special thank you to her caregivers, DoLores, Larissa, Anita and Josette.