Jean Claude Gabriel…
An amazing and loving man who was always punctual no matter where he
was going. He loved seeing his family together and I know more than
anything, he would have loved to see us all here today.
He played a special part in all of our lives, and was the greatest at being a
husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. For it was in these
roles, that everyone was able to witness him be his absolute best.
Jean’s life began on September 6, 1945. He was born in Haiti to Paul &
Jeantilia and was one of 6 siblings. Growing up in Haiti, Jean took interest
in a number of different hobbies, but his most favorite one was racing. In
fact, he won first place in a car racing tournament and his prize was a
brand-new radio. It was a very proud moment for him and certainly
earned him some bragging rights.
In 1965 at the age of 21, he met his wife Clemencia and they married a
year later. He had a total of 4 girls and 4 boys. One of the girls died as an
infant due to an illness, and the surviving 3 girls in order from oldest to
youngest are: Dalla, Betty, and Manise. And the boys: Johnson, a set of
twins, Bernard & Bernadin, and his youngest Jean Robert. The girls were
true daddy’s girls and with good reason. A memory they still remember to
this day was how when they were little, he had a shirt made with three
small pockets, and in those pockets, he would put money in it for them so
that they wouldn't have to get it elsewhere. That stuck with them and is
something they’ll never forget.
In 1981, Jean migrated to the U.S., and though he almost lost his life in the
process, he persevered and started a life in Florida. While there, he
worked different odd jobs here & there. Pretty much whatever would
bring in enough income for him to get by and to send money to his wife &
children back in Haiti. Eventually, he saved up enough money to purchase
a home, then set out on a mission to bring them in one by one.
It is one of the greatest memories that’s shared amongst his family; and
that’s the sacrifice he made to bring them all to the U.S. for a better life.
They can even recall him making the comment, “I would rather die
crossing the ocean, than not give my family the chance to live a better
life”.
Those were the words spoken by a noble and selfless man, and his heroic
acts are what made it possible for us all to be here today.
He was the grandfather & great-grandfather to a total of 20 children,
whom he shared such a deep love for. His favorite way to greet them was
with a little nudge on their forehead, or to bring up one of his favorite
memories about them.
In 1999, Jean and his wife decided they wanted a change of scenery and
moved to the state of Georgia. Soon, everyone else followed and made
here their new home.
Jean worked at Georgia Paving for a number of years, helping to build
roads in different parts of the state. At the age of 68, he retired and spent
his later years doing whatever brought him joy.
One of his highlights was wrestling. He loved wrestling so much, one year
we all surprised him with a trip to see a live wrestling show in Atlanta, Ga.
Every Thursday night at 8pm, even if he was out, he had to make it back in
time to watch his WWE Smackdown. And if you had a plate of mayi moulin
ak sos pwa ready for him, even better!
Let us not forget to mention how much of a comedian he was. He loved to
laugh and anything that could make him laugh, especially Jesifra. And
when it came to telling jokes, he somehow could recollect all of the funny
things that ever happened amongst the family, and at the most random
times he would retell a story in such a vivid way, whoever was listening
had no choice but to join in and laugh.
But what he enjoyed the absolute most was time spent with his family,
sharing memories and eating good food. When holidays and birthdays
came around, he always gave the best & most thoughtful gifts. He truly
did anything to see others smile.
Today we cannot find enough words to thank him for everything that he
has done for his family. His kind soul and generous heart will forever be
remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. And even
though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on eternally.
Thank you all so much for being here, and together we will celebrate the
life of the great Jean Claude.
Jean is survived by: His wife, Clemencia. His 7 children: Dalla, Betty, Manise, Johnson,
Bernard, Bernadin, & Jean Robert. His grandchildren: Claire Danielle, Jenny, Jerry,
Becky, Abigaelle, Raelle, Nathaniel, Joyson, Nedeline, Jordon, Jeshaiah, Bernise, Jemaya,
David, Jay, Eugene, & Maliyah. Great-grandchildren: Laylah, Mekhi, & Skylar. His sister
Juslene (Hugette) Isnor and several brothers. As well as several other family members
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18