Ami Northrup Player

Ami Northrup Player (59), was born September 30, 1964 in Norfolk, Va. to her parents, the late Guy T. Northrup and Willie Mae Walker Northrup. She passed away into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family and is survived by her husband of 39 years, Joel Lawton Player; sister, Vivian Northrup Rich; daughter, Jessica Lauren Player Amick (Stephen Amick);  son, Joel Talmadge Player (Jordan Suzannah Player), and her grandchildren that were the light of her life, Emerson Guy Amick, Elijah Ryan Amick, Joel Benton Player, and Blakely Suzannah Player. 

She is predeceased by her father, Guy T. Northrup, mother, Willie Mae Walker Northrup, and sisters, Sandra Lynn Coleman and Teresa Ann Montgomery.

Born a Navy brat, she traveled all over with her family with time spent in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The family returned to their home in Columbia, South Carolina where she would meet her future husband, Lawton Player, and they would become high school sweethearts. They married on December 14, 1985 and welcomed their two children, Jessica Lauren, on September 4, 1987, and Joel Talmadge, on July 7, 1992. 

She had many jobs in her early years but settled into a home at White Knoll Elementary school where she served as a classroom assistance and computer teacher. She attended many local churches including Kitti Wake Baptist Church, Saluda River Baptist Church, RiverSprings Church, and finally Willow Ridge Church in Lexington. While at Willow she became an integral part of the youth ministry and praise team. Affectionately known to the youth as Mama Player, she impacted the lives of so many through her selfless service and love for all of the kids she served. 

She retired from teaching in 2016 to begin her newest and most treasured role, being Mimi to her four grandchildren. Having been diagnosed with NASH in 2018 she soaked up every moment with them and became Lawton’s travel and adventure partner making the most of the days she had left with her family. 

Services will be held Monday, April 29th at 2pm with visitation preceding at 1pm at Willow Ridge Church located at 104 Sycamore Tree Road, Lexington, SC 29073. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or by phone at 800-805-5856.

Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.

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