Alica “Aly” Jean

Alica Jean, known to many as ‘Aly’, was born on December 12th, 1941 to Adeline and Joseph Jean in the Village of Oboy, approximately 30 miles from Cap Haitian, Haiti. This region is known for its old French architectureand famous landmarks such as Citadel, Sans Souci Palace, and Ladadee.  Aly was one of six children.  His siblings were Maltide (deceased), Adelia (deceased), Ipheny (deceased), Kerlo (deceased), and Horace Jean (deceased).  Aly was the most playful and funniest of his parents’ children.

At a young age, daily tasks such as tending to the animals and working in the fields left little time to complete formal schooling. Yet, his childhood was filled with his favorite activities like fishing and swimming in the rivers.

In 1957, a rise in political turmoil prompted Aly to leave Haiti for Nassau, Bahamas.  He braved the journey to The Bahamas by boat in hopes of finding a better life.  Upon arriving, Aly would hide in the woods for several days to avoid deportation back to Haiti.  To make a living and support himself, Aly worked various gardening jobs. Aly faced many life challenges, at times sleeping wherever he could.  But, with God’s help, determination, and grit he did not give-up in realizing his dreams of finding a better life.

In 1973, Aly set his sights on Miami in hopes of finding the American Dream.  Upon arriving in Miami, he lived in the Overtown/Downtown district.  He worked at various hotels on Miami Beach as a cook, dishwasher, server, and gardener.  Oftentimes, Aly would work multiple jobs,believing with hard work anything was possible in America.

With the money that he earned and saved, Aly selflessly made multiple trips to and from Haiti assisting family members and his future wife in seeking a better life. On May 10th, 1975, Aly married Dieudonne, the love of his life.  The couple welcomed their first child, Moise Jean, in 1976, their second child, Asnath Jean, in 1977 and their third, Marc Jean, in 1978. They raised their children in the Little Haiti area of Miami.  Aly and Dieudonne were among the first group of members at The First Haitian Church, today known as First Interdenominational Haitian Church in Little Haiti.

In 1981, Aly landed a position as a solid waste worker for the City of Miami – Solid Waste Department. He was employed there for 11 years while also providing lawn services throughout Miami on the weekends.   He was a hard worker and found great joy in providing for his family.

Aly’s favorite past-time activities consisted of fishing with a net, watching Chalk’s seaplanes take off, teaching himself to play the bass guitar, listening to his 8-track player with songs like Doobie Brothers, Kool & The Gang, and playing various record albums.  He played the 8-track and record player so much that his children committed these songs to memory.

On June 24th, 2024, Aly went to be with the Lord.  He was survived by his beloved wife Dieudonne Jean.

Children: Moise Jean, Asnath Sands, and Marc Jean; Grandchildren: Xadria Sands, Xavier Sands, Isaih Sands, Heaven Sands, Mone’t Jean, Jonathan Jean, Myles Jean, Sage Jean, Ian Jean and Ethan Jean; Great-grandchildren: Alani Sands, Alaiya Sands, and Londyn Jones; Daughter-in-Laws:  Geraldine and Vena Jean; Family members: The Dulcio family, The Francois family, The Jean family, The Montrevil family, The Nelson family, The Pierre family, and The Saintval family.

In loving memory of Alica ‘Aly’ Jean, whose light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.