Michael Cater
Michael Cater was born June 8, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois to Winston and Mazie (Brookens) Cater. Michael was the second of seven children. Michael made his sudden transition on June 4, 2025. Though his time here ended unexpectedly, his influence, wisdom and spirit remain alive in all who knew him.
Michael resided in Chicago much of his life (he lived in Aurora for several years before re-turning to the city). He was a graduate of Tilden High School in Chicago, the class of 1976 and later attended Kennedy King College. He continued his education at Chicago Professional College where he met his typing teacher, Anita. They became friends and exchanged phone numbers, but lost touch. Anita was surprised to hear from Michael fifteen years later.
From 1983-1987, Michael proudly served in the United States. Air Force. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Nebraska. It is the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Air Command (USSTRATCOM). He was a Staff Sergeant and served as an Operations Re-sources Systems Management Specialist. Michael’s duties involved national security and access to sensitive information, so he had to obtain “secret clearance”. He received his honorable discharge April 4, 1987.
After his service in the Air Force ended, Michael transitioned into the pest control business, a field in which he truly excelled. Over the course of 38 years, he carved out a reputation as an expert, capable of solving even the most challenging pest problems. His excellent memory for detail and methodical approach earned him great respect among colleagues and clients alike.
Michael, a skilled cook and grill master, always planned and executed perfect meals. Anita and visitors were never hungry. He often manned the grill at his in-laws’ house in Joliet. He was the man on the grill at Linda’s house for a Cater family get together. Those were great times.
Michael was an avid Chicago sports fan. He passionately followed the Bears, Bulls, and Chicago Sky, whether from the stands or the comfort of his den. His enthusiasm for the teams was infectious, and he often engaged in animated discussions with his neighbors and family about games and players. Knowing Anita’s allegiance to the White Sox, Michael accompanied her and her family to many baseball games.
After rekindling their connection, Michael and Anita embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams, creating cherished memories in the years that followed. Michael and Anita were united in matrimony on May 19, 2001.
Michael was not just a brother and uncle; he served as a father figure to his younger sib-lings, niece, and nephews. Michael’s kindness and warm spirit touched the lives of every-one around him, leaving a legacy of compassion and generosity.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and sister Victoria Cater Brown.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Anita, sisters Quinta (Earl) Hale of Antioch, CA, Patricia Linda Taylor of Chicago, IL and Kimberly (Andrew) Jackson of Antioch, TN, brothers Samuel Morrell Cater and Gregory (Renee) Cater of Chicago, IL, one uncle, Kermick Johnson of Yazoo City, MS, one aunt, Alberta Matthews of Battle Creek, MI and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and friends.