Janet L. Pfister Williams Kirksey

Janet Lucille Pfister was born on July 28, 1947, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Gilbert Pfister and G. Lucille (Morgan) Pfister. She grew up in a large, loving family with several brothers and sisters. From a young age, Janet was strong-willed, caring, and full of personality-traits she would carry throughout her life.
She attended local schools in Erie and developed a lifelong passion for helping others, standing up for what she believed in, and spreading joy wherever she went. Even in her youth, she was known for her boldness, her love of fun, and her deep-rooted faith in God.
Janet held many roles throughout her life, each one reflecting her strength, compassion, and determination. She worked as a certified Notary Public, a Mathematics teacher, a security guard, and even ran for School Board Director-winning the election, though she had to step down. She was also a Girl Scouts leader, a Boy Scout assistant leader, and a Homeless Outreach Aide. She spent years working at Farrell's Market and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
Though she never had much money to give, Janet gave generously of her time and energy. She was a devoted volunteer at the Erie Soup Kitchen, the Free Store, and was involved in the Kairos Prison Ministry. In her younger years, she served as a candy striper at Hamot Hospital, she enjoyed belly dancing and eating steak. Her life was a true example of service, faith, and unconditional love.
She was also a proud member of the American Legion, the Polish Falcons Club, and other local organizations. Janet loved the color purple and anything iridescent, and she always said, "In God We Trust." She loved having a good time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her extended "bar family." She brought laughter, love, and warmth into every room she entered.
Janet is survived by the father of her children, W.C. Kirskey; and her beloved children, Kimberly Williams (Leroy Kimbro), Nicole Williams, Willie Kirksey (Aimee Cook) and Melissa Kirksey (Dimitrius Vincent).
Leaves behind a proud legacy through her grandchildren, (Joseph P.) Jarred, Caitlin Graham (Kim) Joseph Williams 1st (Carla Prindle), Marcus Williams, Kimar Cheatham, Deja Jordan (Nikki), Tlasia Hughes, Demee Williams, Jaytell Payton, Ameana Payton, (Will) Raymond Mercer, Willie Jr., Noah, Jaedyn, Makayla, Isaiah, Andrew, Sa'Vion, Elijah Kirksey, (Missy) Ja'Mir Jones aka (Jared Jones), Xy'Kie Kirksey, Sr. (Jazari Cruz) Kirksey), Da'Jaia Jordan, Na'Ray Kirksey, Da'Mya Jordan, and Ya'Ziila Vincent
Her great-grandchildren include, Ava, Joseph 2nd Willams, Avi'on, D'or, Ja'net Johnson, Ariell, Azari Frieson, Kairo Ross, Aylah Houston, Janiyah Prindle, Alayah Crockett, Ka'Oir, Milan Cheatham, Da'Xaiireo Gambill-Jordan, A'Zaria Mercer, Xy'Kie Kirksey Jr. and Kyon Williams.
She is also survived by her siblings, four sisters, Carol (Thomas) Kuzmin, Audrey (Gerald) Munzi, LuAnn (James) Summers, Lisa (John) Campbell, and four brothers, Ronald (Kathleen) Pfister, Thomas (Janice) Pfister, Daniel Pfister, and Jerome (Carolyn) Pfister.
Special Family included, Darlene Young, Tiffani Wasiela, Tamelia Ferguson Mercer, Louann Kirksey Mitchell, Daishonn Jordan and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to visiting hours at Dusckas Funeral Services, Inc., 536 West 10th Street Erie, PA 16502 on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 2 pm until the time of the Funeral Service there at 3 pm and from 6 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Janet's family through the funeral home.