Catherine "Honey" Phifer, age 100, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Catherine was born on April 29, 1925, in Brooksville, Mississippi, to the late Rosie Stovall and Louis Dupree. She lived a long life marked by faith, dedication, and service to others.

She was united in marriage to Jessie Phifer, and together they later moved to Racine in 1975, where they raised their family and built a home centered on love, warmth, and strong values.

Catherine worked as a nurse aide and maid, roles that reflected her compassionate and caring nature. She was also a fantastic seamstress and cook, known for using her talents to care for her family and others. She enjoyed music, especially listening to the blues. She was selfless, always placing her family first, and created a home filled with laughter, faith, and comfort. As a grandmother, she was a source of guidance, reassurance, and joy, remembered for her gentle words, kindness, and constant prayers.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Catherine was baptized in 1979 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She trusted Jehovah God in all circumstances, and her beliefs shaped every part of her life. Her faith was shown through kindness, quiet strength, and sharing her beliefs with others.

Through dedication and leadership, Catherine was instrumental in helping establish local bus service in Mississippi, recognizing the need for reliable transportation and improving access for those in the area.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memory her children: Matilda Cribbs, Linda (OB) Jones, Jessie Phifer Jr., Clairista Phifer, Kathleen Phifer, Sarah (Mark) Franklin, Rosie (George) Thomas, Reginal (Margo) Phifer, and daughter-in-law Gloria Washington. Honorary daughters include Nancy McDougal, Wanda Shaw, and Sue Brown.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kathyrn Cribbs, Kelvin Cribbs, Dorothy Brown, Johnny Washington Jr., Obadiah Washington, Keon (Akia) Washington, Octavia Hardaway of Ohio, Milton Hardaway of Ohio, Felicia Jones, Anthony (Jessica) Jones, Christopher (Carissa) Phifer, Jonathan Phifer, Tamara Franklin, Travian (Antoinette) Franklin, Timothy Franklin, LaChell Thomas, Gisel Thomas, Shanell Thomas, Reginald Phifer II, Rheathia Phifer, and Lauryn Phifer.

She leaves behind 28 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces and nephews: Nell Thomas of Tennessee, Francis Malone of Mississippi, Ruth Lewis of Rhode Island, Wilma Dupree-Robinson of Texas, John Davis Lane of Illinois, James Dupree of Tennessee; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather; her husband Jessie Phifer; her sisters Sarah Lane, Mary Morton, and Marie Lee; her brother Willie Dupree; her son Johnny Washington; her son-in-law Ira Cribbs; her stepdaughter Margaret Hardaway; her granddaughter Lahtisea Phifer; and her grandson Ira Keith Cribbs.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Ascension Hospital, the doctors, nurses, and medical staff, for the compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Catherine and her family.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to all family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones for the many cards, text messages, phone calls, prayers, visits, meals, and other expressions of love and support during this difficult time. Your kindness, comfort, and encouragement have meant more to us than words can express.

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to meet at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (1600 Summerset Drive,  Mount Pleasant, WI 53406) on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a visitation from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

The talk will begin at 3:00 pm.

For those wishing to watch via zoom, the meeting number is 882 3310 0680 The passcode is 282829