Ayana Sherrie "Punkin" Johnson

Ayana Sherrie Johnson (Punkin), age 50, of Atlanta, GA, transitioned unexpectedly. She departed from this life Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Fayetteville GA, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Ayana was born in Erie, PA on May 19, 1975, daughter of the late Carl Nickson and Joyce Jaycox, of Erie, PA.

Ayana graduated from North Clayton High School, College Park, GA, Class of 1993. She advanced her career by attending Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA, graduating in Nursing in 2005. She was employed at Brightmoor Nursing Center, as a MDS coordinator and previously took on many roles as a nurse in different health care settings. Ayana was passionate about any position she held and maintained a job since the age of 14.

Ayana was full of life. She was loving and caring. Ayana had a unique laugh and smile that brightened the lives of those around her. She provided genuine love to others that held an impact on people's lives. Ayana loved to dance and was a great cook. She will be dearly missed by her family and real friends that loved her.

She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Arbie Wilson ll, nephew Travarie Johnson, Maternal grandparents William and Ollie Johnson, paternal grandparents Mathew and Dorthella Nickson.

In addition to her mother, she leaves to forever cherish her memory her three children, Dejanira Hooks(Paul) of Erie, PA, Shayana Dabney(Brandon), of Painsville, OH, Jamonte Hollingsworth Jr., of Atlanta, GA ; three grandchildren Deontae Wilson, Paul Kafando II, and Pure Kafando, all of Erie, PA ; brothers Kevin Johnson, Carl K. Nickson, of Erie, PA, Camron Nickson, Carl Duncan, Jason Duncan, of Atlanta, GA, Carl Jones, of Kansas City, MO, God brother Jesse Dunlap Jr., of Pittsburgh, PA ; sisters Donielle Quinn-Carr(Shawn), of Charlotte, North Carolina, Carla Sansom, of Erie, PA, Andretta, Agnus, and, Juanita Nickson. Kicha Carr, of Detroit, MI; Her very special best friend "sisters"crew, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Friends may visit with the family at Abundant Life Ministries Church, 806 Parade Street, Erie, PA Monday, 4:00pm-7:00pm and are invited to Services there Tuesday at 11:00 am with Pastor John Crosby of Bethel Apostolic church officiating, and the Eulogy being performed by Pastor Ryan Gaines of Abundant Life Ministries.

House of Paradise Cremation & Funeral Services Inc., 701 East Ave, Erie, PA, 16503, will be handling the arrangements.