In Memoriam

As an expression of love and sympathy, remembrances may be made in many forms. Should friends and loved ones desire, the Lilite family humbly requests that contributions be made payable to Travis Avenue Baptist Church and earmarked for the Dessan Lilite Memorial Fund. All monetary gifts will be used to assist the elderly in the Fort Worth community, to assist missionaries around the world, and to support the ministry of Compassion International. Donations are tax-deductible and will be accepted until October 31, 2012 at:

Travis Avenue Baptist Church

800 W Berry St.

Fort Worth, TX 76110

Obituary

Dessan Lilite, an ordained minister, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 in Fort Worth, Texas. 

His family will greet friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5th, at Travis Avenue Baptist Church where his funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. His graveside service in Oakwood Cemetery will be private. 

Son of the late Louima and Louisena Lilite, Dessan was born on Nov. 19, 1926 in Jean Rabel, Haiti. Having graduated from South Haiti Bible School in Cayes, Haiti, and the Evangelical Bible School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he served numerous congregations and spoke in church conferences and conventions in Haiti, Canada, and across the United States. He was a respected member of UEBH (Union of Evangelical Baptists of Haiti). 

He will be remembered as a man who loved his God, a person who changed the lives of many. He was an overcomer of challenges, a husband who cherished his wife, a father who encouraged his children, a grandfather who taught his grandchildren solid ethical behavior, a teacher who dared his students to excel, and a model worthy to emulate. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edmontes, and sister, Sylvia. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Tulia; children, Jeanne Pierre and her husband, Madere, Jean Osee Lilite and his wife, Jodele, Azer Lilite and his wife, Johane, Obedda Alexis and her husband, Henry, Magda Bonny and her husband, Manasse, Louima Lilite and his wife, Dephanie; adopted children, Micheline Brutus and her husband, Franallis, Ecclesiaste Theodore and his wife, Rosa, Nawnly Brutus, Serleus Simon and his wife, Margaret; 24 grandchildren; brothers, Delinois Lilite and his wife, Saintonise, Dieuriles Lilite; and sister, Sagrace Brutus.

Let Us Know

As people from Haiti, Canada, and all over the US begin making plans to attend the funeral events commemorating the life of Reverend Dessan Lilite, the Lilite family humbly requests that hopeful attendees kindly RSVP in the comment section of this post. This gesture will enable the Lilite family and Mrs. Tulia Lilite's church family to better prepare for the upcoming weekend.

Please, RSVP by midnight on Wednesday, 3 October 2012.

Blessings to one and all!

Funeral Arrangements

Below, please find the following funeral arrangements which have been made to celebrate the life of my father, Reverend Dessan Lilite.

The Lilite family will greet friends on Friday, 5 October 2012, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at:

Travis Avenue Baptist Church
800 W Berry St.
Fort Worth, TX 76110

Also held at Travis on Saturday, 6 October 2012, viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by a celebration service of thanksgiving at 10:00 a.m.

Testimonies of Lives Touched by Dessan Lilite

Dear Reader,

If you are reading this post, your life has been touched by Past. Dessan Lilite in some way. Please, take a moment to comment on this post and share how you have been changed as a result of having met our beloved who left us on September 28th, 2012.

May the Lord guide you as you write!

Louima (on behalf of the whole family)

Snatched by God

"The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away;

may the name of the Lord be praised."

Job 1:21b

28 September 2012, Fort Worth, TX

The day began as usual at the strike of 3:00 a.m. 

Manmie (Tulia), who could not sleep all that night, woke up Papi (Dessan) so that the two of them could pray for their family. They prayed just like they had done for 50+ years -- a practice that helped them develop and experience an unusually close intimacy with the Lord. Praying led to singing which led to Bible reading and meditating. Papi preached a sermon on peace to members of their phone prayer ministry. Later, they took a wonderful walk together, then ate, then sang close to 30 songs in their cozy apartment. 

A bit before 10:00 a.m., Papi felt somewhat sleepy and expressed his desire to head to bed. Instead, at Manmie's suggestion, he went to take a shower.

That's when it all changed.

Papi was snatched away by his Heavenly Father as he was exiting the shower. Gone!

His body fell on the floor but his spirit was already enjoying the delights of heaven, the joys of the desired light of Christ. He was welcomed by his Lord and a host of singing angels.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants."

Psalm 116:15

For those left behind, it is hard.

We grieve the departure of a husband who was passionately committed to his wife.

We mourn the loss of a father who was sincerely devoted to the spiritual raising of his children.

We weep over the death of a man who was singularly interested in the well-being of his fellow man.

Yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope for our hope is found in Christ, the hope of glory!

We will celebrate the life of Dessan Lilite.