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
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.
Maydell Williams says
My condolences to all of Ms. Phifer’s family. My Aunt Lottie Dent was so fond of her. She called her her cousin in love and stayed in contact even after moving to Detroit. My prayers are with you all. 🙏🏾
Nephew Harold Phifer says
Aunt Catherine will definitely be missed!
Min Octavia says
Grandma Phifer we love you and appreciate you so much! We will never ever forget you. To my aunts and uncles we love you all!
Love Milton and Octavia
Great grandkids De’Forest, Daze, DeBriel, Da’Liyah, Milliona, and Major
Stacey Moore & Family says
Sending condolences to the family
Tracy Edwards-Oliver and Snoop says
To the family, we send our condolences, prayers, hugs and love.
Your niece Cora Jean says
Aunt Catherine, this is your niece Cora Jean Dupree Ashford, your oldest brother Eugene’s daughter. I regret that I did not get to know you or my cousins; however, having read your life story I can see that you lived a life that leaves a powerful, endearing, inspiring ,humanitarian legacy that few can match. Your 100 years on this earth was a gift that you lived to the fullest. To my cousins, other family members and friend, I send my condolences.
Vivian Everson says
My deepest condolences to the family may Jehovah the god of all comfort provide this and strength to endure during this time of grief His promise at Isa 33:24 will soon come true
Sharon says
My condolences
Dennis A. Thompson says
My prayers and condolences 🙏🏾 🙏🏾
Patricia (Bouie) Borger and family. says
I Will miss her dearly. Honey was always so kind to me. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We send you lots of hugs and love to you all.
Gracie Witherspoon says
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Catherine Phifer, I pray that you all remain steadfast, knowing that your help comes from the Lord
Adrianne B. Chism says
I thank the Most High for the beautiful relationship Ms. Phifer had with me and my mom. From the sound advice she gave, to the listening ear that was never taken away. I’ve always known her to encourage others and challenged their beliefs as a believer.
She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
From the Chism/Jackson family, we are praying for strength and peace at this time for the Phifer family.
Loretta Olson says
Sarah and Family I am so sorry for your loss what a wonderful woman your Mom was.
Love, Loretta and Gordy Olson
Marilyn Crawley says
Sister Phifer was a remarkable woman. She was a faithful servant of Jehovah for many years and she as a single mother raised several children and proved to be matriarch to many servants of Jehovah as well. My family and I want to extend sincere condolences to her family for her loss.
Catherine Phifer says
Condolences, to the entire Phifer family. Prayers for soothing hearts. During this very difficult time the loss of their love one. From the deepest depths of our hearts.🌷
~Demetria & Symphony Bell
Gail Causey says
My condolences to the families of Sister Phifer. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
Ronda T. Johnson says
So very sorry for the family and friends loss.Happy I had the pleasure of working in service during a Campaign with this great sister.Even elderly her family brought her out in field service.I look forward to hugging her in the new world and talking to her again.
AJillian Burrell-Warfield says
My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Catherine Phifer. My prayers are with you all
Deborah Westerlund says
Sorry for your loss, she will be missed by all. It is such a blessing to know that she is resting in sleep in Jehovah’s memory. We know it won’t be long until Jehovah awakens her and she will live her life free from pain with the vigor of youth. Sending hugs and prayers for the family. May Jehovah strengthen you and bring comfort and peace to your grieving hearts♥️
Phyllis Fisher says
I would like to share a memory. I first met Sister Phifer when Clarista invited me and my daughters, Kim and Alex, to an outdoor function her family was having. Her family was HUGE, and oh, so welcoming and warm. An excellent reflection of the woman who raised them. I always made a point of asking Clarista “how’s your mom”. As the years passed by, I would frequently see her at various assemblies, regardless of location. I’d make it a point to speak with her and share a hug. As time passed and she could no longer see me, she would recognize my voice and know it was Sister Fisher. I have never forgotten her. I know with all certainty that the next time she and I meet, she’ll not only recognize my voice, but my face and hug, as well.
My condolences are with her entire family. I know your hearts are heavy right now. However, she lived 100 years! With a good portion of those years dedicated to Jehovah. That is an achievement to be proud of. Jehovah knows your Mom! She is safe in his memory. Let that be of comfort to you as you await the day you see her again. Just remember to invite me to her resurrection party!
Diane Wojciechowicz says
Sincerest sympathies to you and your family. May all the wonderful memories you have give you comfort.
Jacquelyn Crockett and Family says
She would be missed. She was truly a friend, even when she didn’t know who you were. She never met a stranger. It was a pleasure for me and my family to even know her. She always had loving words and comfort to you. She was truly a caring person, thank Jehovah for being able to cross her path
Bobby Bell and family says
My dear sister we love you with all our hearts and you will be truly missed I can remember talking to you every Sunday on the phone you brought so much joy to my heart and I hope I did the same thing to you I can’t wait to see you again in the New world where we can break bread and I can help you build your new house love you so much take your nap and Jehovah will wake you up in the near future
The Hartsfield, Douglas & Tellez Families says
To the Phifer Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. She was gentle yet strong, and her warmth and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We will always remember her as a beautiful example of grace and strength. She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts until we see her again
With much love!
Kelly Robinson jackson says
I just wanted to give my condolences and love to the family.
Moncree & Canaye Coleman says
Sending our heartfelt condolences at this time of sorrow.
Anonymous says
My sincere condolences to all of Honey’s family. May Jehovah help each and everyone of you through this tuff t
Barbara Ellis says
My sincere condolences to each and everyone of you may Jehovah continue to bless and help you through this hard time.
Laura Pearson - Woodstock, GA says
Condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Jehovah, the God of all comfort, continue to be with you during this time of deep sorrow and in the days ahead.
Catherine to whom I always referred to out of deep respect my dear sister Phifer was a dear friend and spiritual sister to my mother Christine Pearson and sister Easter Honor who both preceded her in death. She was like a second mom to me and her family was a big part of our family. She loved Jehovah and the truth and shared it with as many people as she could or would come in contact with. She was always loving and kind to everyone. She wasn’t afraid to give you the needed discipline or counsel when necessary whether you were young or old. She touched the lives of everyone during her 100+ years by Jehovah’s special blessings. A foregleam of what Paradise will bring life without end at last
The Pearson family will always cherish her in our hearts and love her forever. She may be gone but will never be forgotten.
Love Love Love 🙏🎉💐
Joanne Tucker-Powell says
My condolences and prayers 🙏 to Mrs Phifer family and all those who love her 🙏