Imogene Leslie Player, age 80 passed away on June 30th, 2022. Imogene was born on February 23, 1942 in Chattanooga, TN , daughter of Mamie and Charles Leslie. Imogene attended the Chattanooga public school system, graduating from Howard High School, before going on to receive her undergraduate degree in Biology from Alabama A&M and a Masters in Education from Webster University in St. Louis MO.
For over 35 years Imogene enjoyed her life’s work as a teacher primarily at the elementary school level. While she spent the majority of her time raising her family, she had a number of outside interests. These included a passion for the creative arts, mainly writing and acting including her most recent time with the Barn Players, as well as her participation in and contributions to NAACP, Jack and Jill as well as her lifelong love for and involvement in Delta Sigma Theta . She loved being with her friends and community groups to give back and elevate those around her. She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, and most recently Mt. Olive Baptist church. Imogene will be remembered as an adored mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend.
She is preceded in death by her husband William O. Player and her parents Charles and Mamie Leslie. She is survived by her sons, William Andre Player (Michele), as well as granddaughters Devon and Simone Player of Snoqualmie, WA, Charles Jason Player (Cindy) and granddaughters Tiana and Kesha Gilbert of Long Beach, CA and her brother Frank Leslie (Tanya) of Montclair, NJ and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service honoring Imogene will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church 7406 Ward Parkway. Kansas City, Mo 64114. The service will begin at 10:00 am followed by a reception. The service will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/CtulG03KPE8
The family thanks you for all of the kind memories that have been shared in the last few months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to
Johnson County NAACP 9948 W 87th, Suite A-1 Overland Park, KS 66212
Imogene was the kind of person who made you immediately feel comfortable talking to her. She was kind, generous , smart and charming. I worked with her for over 14 years at Benninghoven elementary school. I was the art teacher and she taught second grade. She was an excellent teacher as her students came to my class full of creativity and ready to learn. The stories she shared about her own family were delightful and always made me smile. Imogene’s memory will continue in all our minds and fill our hearts with happiness that we knew this amazing and beautiful lady. Wishes for peace to all her family.
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Sincerely
Mollie steinwart
Imogene was a great coworker, a wonderful friend, and a confidant. Her smile and enthusiasm for life were contagious. The thing I loved most about her was her sense of humor. Just being in her presence lifted my spirit. I cannot express how much I will miss her.
I only met Imogene a handful of times but know how amazing she was through her son and our dear friend Andre. Andre, Michele, and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the life of this lovely, important soul! The Angels and Saints welcomed her with open arms and rejoice with you in celebration. May the Lord bless and keep all of you always!