Rejeanne Altagrace Jean-Baptist Prophete

Rejeanne Altagrace Jean-Baptiste Prophete was born on January 21st, 1943, in Milot, Cap-Haitien, Haiti, to the parentage of the late, Charlescius Jean-Baptiste and Zilie Charles. The town where she grew up did not offer much. She always envisioned a better life outside of the country. With limited resources to pursue her education, she attended a vocational sewing school where she became a seamstress which would be the skill set she used all her life. Rejeanne was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend to so many. She was truly loved and respected by everyone she encountered. Strong-willed, tough, kind, compassionate, giving, and honest were among her distinguished attributes.

During her teenage years, she met the love of her life, the smooth talker, Dieudonné Prophete. They had a total of six children: Gerta (Nanotte), Arniauld (Danie), Carmen, Rolin, Harold, and Samuel. After having three daughters, Rejeanne had her first son. As the family grew, she decided to embark on a journey to provide a better life for the children. Eight months later, she made the ultimate sacrifice to leave Haiti enroute of a better life for her children. It was one of the hardest decisions she had to make. All her friends told her that her children would not survive in Haiti and she was insane to leave them behind. She said if I lost one to save the rest, I would consider it a success. Once Rejeanne made up her mind, there would be no turning back. To say that life was challenging would be an understatement. There she was in a new country, unemployed and with a language barrier in addition. She used her sewing skills to make a living.

Despite all the difficulties, the children left in Haiti were always in her mind. She was like a lioness who left her cubs hidden in the den; nothing could stop her from going back for them. 

She was determined to make it no matter the circumstances. Once Rejeanne decided to reside in Miami permanently, Dieudonné traveled to Miami, and they were reunited. Now that they were back together, it was “go time” to get the other siblings over. With God's blessings, she found a sewing job that paid her enough to handle her expenses and to take care of the children in Haiti. Rejeanne believed in education. She made sure all of her children were in school. Her model was, “As long as I’m working, you all are going to school.” So, she worked tirelessly to accomplish that goal. Throughout the obstacles, she stayed steadfast and moved forward. Once she was allowed to travel outside the United States, she went back to Haiti to see the children. After so long, seeing them for the first time was like a reward for all her hard work. She returned to the U.S. even more determined to have all of them with her. Finally, the trials and tribulations she endured were nothing comparing to the joy of seeing all of her children living together in the United States - she felt accomplished! Rejeanne really loved her family unconditionally. Although, her relationship with Dieudonné came to an end when he suddenly passed away in December 2001. Rejeanne built a legacy that changed our family’s future forever from generation to generation.

Rejeanne's hobbies were cooking and dancing. She was a philanthropist - super generous. She enjoyed sharing her cooked meal with everyone around. She even had Americans eating “soup joumou” every January 1st. Rejeanne was an entertainer. She would not miss an opportunity when it came to dancing. If you clapped your hands twice, she would already be in position to dance. She had a great sense of humor. At times, she would laugh so hard that tears would run down her face uncontrollably. Once she retired, she spent most of her time going to church and being with her grandchildren. She was one of the treasurers at Maranatha & Bethesda Church of Primitive.

After a long battle with chronic illness, she went to be with the Lord on March 10th, 2024. As Christians, burial is like planting an old seed and watching it sprout from the ground, looking greener and stronger. Therefore, we can rest assured that Rejeanne is in heaven with God. All of her family, friends, and everyone who knew her will miss her presence, honest advice, smile, and loving spirit. In this race of life, Rejeanne has passed the baton to all of us. We cannot lay it down and let her legacy die; let’s move forward and make her proud.

Rejeanne is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Children: Gerta, Danie, Carmen, Rolin, Harold, Samuel, God-daughter Bevely, Regina, Carole (in Haiti).

Grandchildren: Endy, Sasha, Woody, Edvina, Frandy, Randy, Dana, Edlen, Roline, Kyre, Sarah, David, Isaiah, Samia.

Great-grandchildren: Endy Jr., Carter, Frandy Jr.

Sons & Daughters in-law: Deve, Edvy, Sherly, Dieudonne, Lourdie, Chantale, Luc.

Nieces & Nephews: Jean-Baptiste: Philomene (madame Ambroise) Jeanne (Alourdes), James, Monique, Wilmond, Delince, Carolle, Serge, Joceline, Innocent, Gerald, Edmonde, Apolius, Philamar, Guilenne, Raroul, Febus, Alfons, Belizaire.

Cousins: Charles: Luckner, Jean-Nelson, Ronald, Sems, Judith, Merveilleus, Mirose (Nouchie), Ketly, Riclers, Loraine, Ester, Elene, Terese, Ariyors, Antione, Victor, Denis, Jean-Claude, Yolene (madame Elize), John, Namise, Frantz-Dy. Thony: Daniel (ton Da), Ivio, Lucien, Ivon, Kingston, Rosemarie, Jeanty: Maki, Miriam, Nounouze, Gyll (T-louis).

Friends: Lamercie, Abela, Makila, Denis, Yanique, Jackline, Sr. Lavine, Chris Dominique (ma comere), Olga St. Fleur (ma comere).