June Elaine "Lainie" W. Cater

On March 8, 2026, Lainie Wiggins Cater completed a journey that began for her on June 21, 1945. She has been called to transition from the careful, direct influence she had upon her family and, instead, to allow her legacy to inspire those who survive her.

Surrounded by a loving family, Lainie passed through the door that all of us will eventually pass. At this new horizon, Lainie was undoubtedly welcomed joyously by her parents, James Early Wiggins and June Thomas Wiggins. Bidding a tearful farewell to a woman who was so fiercely protective, patient, and wise are her family: Her loving husband James Rodger Cater Her former husband William C. “Bucky” Wood (Christy) who is the father of her three children: William (“Bill”) Wood and his children William (17) and Caroline (15). James (“Jim”) Wood and his children Harrison (22) and Isla (18). Heather Wood Fitch (Chad) and her children Addison (22) and Ethan (20).

Lainie’s passion for being a mother and a beacon of light for the lives of others began at an early age. A graduate of the 1963 class of Banks High School, she studied briefl y at Auburn University, but soon realized The University of Alabama’s School of Education was a higher calling for her. She received a bachelor’s degree at that institution and subsequently taught countless young students in Birmingham, AL. Years later, she re-doubled her educational aspirations and earned a postgraduate Masters Degree in Education and School Counseling at UAB. She then worked for many years as a school guidance counselor before beginning a busy private practice counseling young adults.

Lainie was the steady heartbeat of her family. Even after life changed the shape of her original family, she never allowed the family members to drift apart. In her unwavering belief in the importance of the extended family to be even more inclusive, she insisted on making every gathering she hosted a warm and welcoming event for family and friends alike. Every holiday, celebration, and milestone was to be shared together. And they were. Everything good in the family began with Lainie, and her life will forever remind us that love, generously given, can hold a family together through anything.

If success is measured in what a person achieves during the course of his or her life and the legacy they leave behind, Lainie Cater will forever be remembered for both. Her greatest pride was her three children. Her greatest gift was the love that she showed them which they will carry forever. That love was, in turn, showered on her six grandchildren.

All who knew and loved Lainie, quite naturally, are saddened at the passing of this beautiful lady who was so well-loved. The empty chair at future family gatherings will evoke countless fond memories. At the same time, however, we are celebrating a life that brought much joy and happiness to so many people and enriched the lives of all who knew and loved her.

While Lainie’s family has lost her physical presence, they will never lose the love she gave them. They will carry it in their hearts forever. Lainie will be greatly missed by those she has left behind, but all can take great comfort in knowing that her legacy will be impossible to forget. Her impact on family and friends has been dramatic, and has always been extended with intention. Lainie will be remembered for who and about what she cared deeply - no one has ever loved more than she did.

Services will be private for the family at a later date.