Thomasine R. Player

Life Reflections THOMASINA REGINA PLAYER was born on February 3, 1961 in Baltimore, Maryland to Marie Davis Player and the late Thomas Player. The only daughter, she was one of five children which included her four brothers. She was brought up in a Christian home where going to church was not an option. Regina was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from the Paul Laurence Dunbar Community High School in June of 1979 with honors. She was inducted into the Dunbar Chapter of the National Honor Society in 1977. Upon her completion of studies she enrolled in the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Despite her hectic schedule, she still found the time to sew and make clothes for herself and others, as well as provide services as a hair stylist. She joined the Southern Baptist Church and was baptized at a very early age by the late Rev. Nathaniel Higgs. As a youth, she was a member of the Girl Scouts, Youth Choir, and the Youth & Young Adult Day Choir. Regina was also one of the original members of the Simon Special, a gospel singing group named in honor of the late Rev. Henry Simon. Her greatest joy was the birth of her only son, Deon D. Johnson. She nurtured him with her love and was very proud of his accomplishments. The mere mention of his name brought the biggest smile to her face and she unselfishly shared her gift from God with her closest family members. During her teens, Regina began working for the Veterans Administration Hospital formerly located on Loch Raven Boulevard. She later worked for the University of Maryland Hospital. In later years, she worked as a caretaker for a number of persons including the late Julia Wright. She was currently serving as caretaker for her loving mom, Marie. Her commitment to her mother went beyond that of daughter. On a daily basis, she cared for, cooked, cleaned, nurtured, pampered, bathed, clothed, and sat with her mother just as she had for her 53 years ago. Family was important to Regina a.k.a. "Hollywood." She loved her family deeply and would be with them as often as possible. Attending family reunions when she could was something she looked forward to doing as well. She enjoyed laughter and was always pleasant to everyone she came in contact with. "Hollywood" was the heart of her brothers and loved by Deon beyond measure. She especially enjoyed being around her cousins and they enjoyed her presence also. On Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the family home, Regina suddenly and quietly passed from labor to reward. Although she is already deeply missed, the greater joy is in knowing that she is free from the cares of this world. She leaves to cherish fond memories: her son, Deon D. Johnson and daughter-in-law, Melody, of Virginia Beach, VA; her mother, Marie Player; four brothers, Christopher Davis, Sherman Player and Larry Player of Baltimore, MD, and Nolan Player of Concord, NC; five nieces and seven nephews, several great-nieces and great-nephews, four aunts; sisters eternal, Michelle and Doreen; a host of cousins and other relatives and friends. Sleep on dear loved one and take your rest. We all love you, but God loves you best.

Tributes

Thomasine R. Player

February 3, 1961 - February 13, 2014