Ms. Minnie Will Player

Minnie Will (Leverett) Player (Berry), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and cherished community matriarch, peacefully departed this life on August 22, 2026, at the age of 75. While her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy of love, generosity, laughter, and unwavering support will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

Born on August 4, 1951, in Panama City, Florida, Minnie was the first daughter born to Mary Emma Larry Leverett and Zollie B. Leverett, Sr. From an early age, she displayed the warm-hearted spirit and determination that would define her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Tommy Joe Player, Jr. (1978) and Richard Berry, Sr. (1990), whom she loved during different chapters of her remarkable journey.

To know Minnie was to love her. She possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Though she was the devoted mother of three children, she was affectionately known as a mother, auntie, mentor, and friend to many others. Her home was a sanctuary where family, friends, and even strangers were welcomed with open arms. No one ever left Minnie's house empty-handed. If you stopped by, you were likely leaving with a full stomach, a plate for later, and perhaps a care package assembled with love. Giving was not simply something Minnie did; it was who she was.

Minnie embraced life with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. Whether traveling from Florida to New York, Texas to California, or embarking on one of her many road trips, she found joy in seeing new places and meeting new people. Her vibrant personality and infectious laughter left lasting impressions wherever she went. She carried her generosity, humor, and zest for life down every highway and into every community she encountered.

A lifelong believer in education and personal growth, Minnie attended Bay High School before continuing her studies at New York University and later Texas Southern University in Houston. Her pursuit of knowledge reflected her determination to continually grow and create opportunities for herself and her family.

Around 1975, Houston became the city she proudly called home. Throughout her life, Minnie built a colorful and accomplished professional career that spanned numerous industries and organizations, including Hermann Hospital, Honeywell, Safeway, Inc., Alief Independent School District, La Marque Independent School District, and ultimately the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she retired after years of dedicated service. She also accomplished gaining her Cosmetology license and becoming our favorite “Kitchen Beautician”. Wash and sets, and hot oil treatments were her staple services. Minnie even dabbled in the Barber arena, lol! She was determined to be successful as she also trained in becoming an instructor in the beauty industry. Those experiences will forever be embedded in the lives of her faithful crew of clients.

Minnie accepted the Lord at a young age. Her foundation was grounded in the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. She represented sisterhood as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as a proud usher at McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Walter K. Berry, Sr., Pastor, for many years.

Above all else, Minnie was devoted to her family. Her greatest acts of love often happened quietly and without recognition. One of her proudest and most selfless roles was serving as primary caregiver to her beloved mother, Mary, until her passing in 2021. Her strength, compassion, and sense of responsibility were evident in every aspect of her life. Minnie was also a cancer survivor, defeating pancreatic cancer and remaining in remission through her passing.

Minnie was preceded in death by her Siblings: Tommie Jean Leverett, Jessie Lee Leverett, James Henry Leverett, Mary Leverett-Oliver, Jimmy Lewis McDonald, Ocie B. Leverett, Zollie B. Leverett, Jr., and James Arthur Leverett.

As we celebrate Minnie's life, we remember a woman whose heart knew no bounds, whose table always had room for one more, and whose generosity transformed ordinary moments into lasting memories. Her legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the love she shared so freely and the countless people
fortunate enough to call her family and friends.
Well done, Minnie Will! Your journey was beautiful, your love was abundant,
and your memory will forever remain in our hearts.