Lauren Harper Wilder

Lauren Harper Wilder, 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, loving daughter, sister, niece,cousin, and dear friend to many, died at her residence in Montgomery on Saturday, April 8, 2023. She is survived by her parents, David James Wilder, Sr. and Lyle Harper Wilder, brother, David James “Jay” Wilder, Jr., aunt, Sarah Wilder Olsen (Tommy), cousins, Mark Edward Hunter, Phyllis Hunter Richardson (Tim), Micheal Ray Hunter (Shawn), Anthony Wayne Hunter (Brenda), Ryan Olsen (Amber), and Julianna Olsen Speake (Paul). Lauren was preceded in death by her grandparents, James Lee Wilder and Nell Hannon Wilder, Lee Thomas Harper and Martha Hunter Harper. Lauren was born at Baptist Hospital in Montgomery on June 27, 1985. She attended St. James School K- 12, graduating in 2003 with highest honors. As a member of the St. James debate team, she traveled throughout the state and around the nation competing very successfully. She attended Rhodes College in Memphis, TN but graduated from Auburn University in Montgomery in June of 2007 with a BS in Psychology. Lauren was drawn to helping others who suffered with mental health and addiction issues. She graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Troy University at Dothan in 2010. After working in children’s counseling as a traveling therapist in south Alabama, she returned to Montgomery and worked as an adolescent therapist at Chemical Addictions Program (CAP). She later moved to Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority (MAMHA) now known as Carastar Health, continuing work in children’s and adolescents’ counseling. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2021. Most recently, she was the Substance Abuse Treatment Program Director for Carastar Health. Lauren loved every kind of animal, and once you became her friend, she loved you intensely. She had a passion for helping others who suffered. She was stubborn and tenacious in conquering problems and could make a person laugh even in the worst of circumstances. Her life made a difference in the lives of many who needed her help and those of us who watched her grow into the talented, beautiful young woman she became. She rests in Christ’s nearer presence and we long for the day we will all see her again. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 17th, at Christchurch Anglican, 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Alan L. Reid officiating. The family will receive friends directly following the service at Christchurch’s Canterbury Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117, Montgomery Humane Society where Lauren found many beloved feline friends, 1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110, or your favorite charity. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Wilder family.