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Kimberly Danielle Kifer

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | May 18, 2023

Kimberly Danielle Kifer, 52, of McKeesport, peacefully departed this life at home on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in much the same way she entered it - surrounded by the love of her family. Born the adored twin daughter of Bradley M. Sayles and Janis L. Kifer on February 22, 1971 and affectionately called by her nickname “Bird”, Kimberly was graduated from Woodland Hills Eastern Area with the Class of 1992.

Despite having been diagnosed with a severe case of cerebral palsy, Kimmie thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of regular everyday adventures. She loved to go on shopping sprees, camping trips, fishing excursions and was most fond of watching people in public places.

When she wasn’t taking in the great outdoors or otherwise exploring her world, Bird took great pleasure in the customary comforts of home like tuning into her favorite shows like Friends, Andy Griffith and The Golden Girls. Especially fond of Hallmark movies that would premier around her favorite holidays - Christmas and Halloween - Bird always appreciated a good story, the way in which it is told and what it all means. She would sit in awe of every character’s development, admire every flaw, watch observantly and listen keenly from the beginning to the ending and throughout every scene.

Kimberly loved to be entertained. Whether she was listening to all genres of music; she most enjoyed Kenny Rogers, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston or watching funny videos on YouTube to get a good laugh; trying her luck at Yahtzee or her hand with the deck of cards she was dealt; she was most happy when fostering bonds with her family, cracking jokes with those she held close, spending time and making unforgettable memories.

Although towards the end of her life she was bedridden, Bird spent the majority of her time here in a chair. Her motor skills were limited and she required round-the-clock care. With the aid of supportive treatments, meticulous management of medications, a plethora of surgeries, advancements in technology and the selfless care giving of her immediate family members, Kim was able to excel in the development of her own unique way of communicating with the world.

Bird frequently wore a smile as big as the moon and oftentimes had a lively excitement that could not be contained. She so skillfully mastered the art of the eye roll that those fortunate enough to have witnessed it first hand know full well that her sarcasm was not just relentless and hilarious but is without a doubt the catapult that sent her into another dimension.

Tired of fighting the good fight, Kimberly was welcomed into the afterlife by her paternal grandparents; Jessie Lee Harper and Jean Elizabeth Sayles, both of McKeesport, maternal grandparents Everett & Sylvia Kifer of Clarion, PA and brother Kelan Erne’ Johnson of Wilkinsburg.

Still bound by this earth to cherish her memory are proud loving parents Bradley M. Sayles and Janis L. Kifer; ‘I am my sister’s keeper’ twin Kelley Denise Kifer of McKeesport, Ashley Kirkland of Hazelwood and Jessica Sayles of Atlanta, GA; Brother Rodney R. Kifer (Claudia) of Lake Jackson, Texas; two nieces and six nephews including Bradlyn D. Dukes who she considered to be her own son. Kimberly and Bradlyn shared a special bond as he provided her with tender compassion, adoring love and excellent care for many years. Also left to mourn are adored great-nephew Jayce as well as aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends.

Although spoiled-rotten as child and high-maintenance in her teen years, Kimberly Kifer made sure the world would remember her as a fully grown woman with the matured mind and the beautiful soul of a thoughtful, kind-hearted, admirable very stubborn human being. Despite how weak and weary she had become, in her final act of gratefulness and reciprocity Kimberly would give Janis her flowers by patiently waiting until after Mother’s Day to leave behind her earthly body to be fitted for her heavenly wings. Fondly we remember Bird as neither roaming the Earth nor ruffled by her feathers but tethered by the love that holds families together.

Friends and family are welcome on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at the conclusion of visitation at 4:00 pm with The Rev. Phil Williams, officiating. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published May 18, 2023.

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