Sandra Jean (Thigpen) Kater

Ms. Sandra Jean Thigpen Kater, age 75 of Birmingham Alabama transitioned peacefully on September 16, 2025.

Born April 15, 1950, Sandra Jean was the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Gladys Thigpen. She was educated in the Birmingham City School System.

Sandra dedicated her life to caring for others with a gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering strength. She spent over twenty years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Oak Knoll Health and Rehab facility, where she served countless residents and their families with compassion, dignity, and respect. Her hands brought comfort, and her presence brought peace.

To her family, Sandra Jean was the center of warmth and wisdom. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, great-grand mother, loving sister, and cherished aunt. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her love unconditional. She touched every life she encountered with grace and humility.

As a grandmother, she was a source of endless love, warmth, and joy. Her grandchildren knew her as a gentle guide, a storyteller, and a steadfast supporter of their dreams. Whether sharing laughter over homemade cakes and pie, offering a comforting hug, or teaching life’s little lessons, she treasured every moment spent with them. Her favorite saying to them was “Trust and never doubt”. Her love created a strong foundation of family unity and cherished memories that will be carried forward through generations.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Carlena Thigpen, Willie (Angela) Kater; grandchildren: Deondria (Sean) Hammonds, Jamond (Tevis) Fairweather; Cartier Davidson, Javion, Jaylen and Jai’da Kater: great granddaughter Journii Bailey; sisters: Cheryl Thigpen and Glenda Black; brothers: Jesse (Ora) and Anthony (Sheila) Thigpen, along with a host of other cherished family members and friends.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. May her legacy of love and strength continue to guide those she leaves behind.

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