Elder Joe H. Cater

Joe Homer Cater was born on April 7, 1944 to the late Job and Ella Lee Garth-Cater in Morgan County. He departed this life on June 11, 2020 at Decatur Morgan Hospital / Decatur General Campus.

He confessed hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Moulton Heights Missionary Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Morgan County Training School. Upon graduation, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army. While stationed in New York, he met the love of his life, Bennie "Pat" Simpson and was married on December 2, 1967.

Elder Cater wanted to raise his children in the south and moved his family to Alabama in 1972.

In 1984, God called him to preach the gospel. He preached his initial sermon at Moulton Heights Missionary Baptist Church. Many came from near and far to see and hear what a wonderful work the Lord had one. Elder Cater was the former Pastor of Flowerhill Freewill Baptist Church, where everlasting bonds of friendship and family were formed. He later joined St. Stephens Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Elder Eugene Lewis. While serving at St. Stephens Primitive Baptist Church, Elder Lewis mentored, taught and encouraged "His Boy" to dig in the bushes for the Word.

Elder Cater was a Bible Scholar and excellent teacher of the word. Elder Cater was formerly employed by Bowman Transportation and Champion Paper Mill.

In 1994, Elder Cater was installed as the Pastor at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Alabama. He was a dedicated full-time Pastor to each of his members. No matter what time, no matter where he was, he was going to be there. BETHLEHEM, HE LOVED YOU!

Elder Cater is preceded in death by His Son: Joe Christopher Cater. His Parents: Rev. Job and Ella Lee Cater. A Sister: Queen Nickerson. A Brother: James Cater. 

Elder Cater leaves to cherish the fond lasting memories of a life well-lived to: His Wife , the love of his life for 52 years Mother Bennie "Pat" Simpson-Cater. A Son: Ronald L. (Connie) Cater. 3 Daughters: Tracey L. Cater, Kimberly C. Pace and Keisha Cater al of Decatur, Alabama. An Adopted Son: Torey Clay of McDonough, GA. His Precious Grandchildren: Devon Airness (Keisha) Cunningham of San Francisco, Ca. Jasmine M. Cater of Decatur, Alabama. Taylor Cater of Huntsville, Alabama. Trenton Cater and Jai C. Johnson of Decatur, Alabama. Adopted Grandson: Chancely Thomas of Decatur, Alabama. His Great-Grandchildren: Aaliyah Johnson of Houston, Tx. Madison Orr, Elijah Chapman and Connor Coffey all of Decatur, Alabama. Koda Ferguson of Huntsville, Alabama. 4 Sisters: Ruth (Sammy) Lee of Tifton, Ga. Dr. Joyce (Dr. Edward) Irons of Atlanta, Ga. Bernice Ayers of Decatur, Alabama. Barbara Small of Smyrna,  Ga. 6 Sister-In-Laws: Anne Cater of Cleveland, Oh. Francis Simpson, Lizzie Simpson, Mary Holiday, Rose Kyles and Louise Simpson all of Belleville, Alabama. 4 Brother-In-Laws: Joe (Jean) Nickerson of Nashville, Tenn. Isaac Simpson and Ray Simpson of Belleville, Alabama. Richard (Diane) Simpson of Stone Mountain, Ga. A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Under the directing of Sharpley Funeral Home. Graveside Service for Elder Joe Homer Cater, 76 of Decatur who passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Decatur Morgan Hospital / Decatur General Campus will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 12:00pm at Sterrs Cemetery. Public viewing Monday, June 15, 2020 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the funeral home.  A public viewing Monday, June 15, 2020 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church ( Located at 7565 Greenbrier Rd. Madison, Al. 35756).

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