Francis Peter "Trevor" Philbert

Born in Roseau on April 12, 1962, Trevor attended Roseau Mixed School, then the La Plaine Government School. Later he attended the Dominica Grammar School from 1974 to 1979. From an early age, Trevor stood out in his family — marked by a quiet defiance and courage that would define him throughout his life. He was raised in a home governed by the firm hand of his father, Damase Philbert, a former police chief and staunch believer in discipline. His father subscribed fully to the mantra, “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” and was convinced he could spot the signs of waywardness in boys that might lead to crime or addiction.

As teenage boys with afro hairdos, a love for the emerging cadence-lypso rhythms, and other youthful indulgences, Trevor and his siblings often found themselves in the crosshairs of their father’s strict discipline. Trevor, more than others, was frequently on the receiving end. Yet he never showed weakness. Even in the face of harsh punishment, he bore it with brave silence—perhaps a whimper or two but never surrender. One unforgettable moment came when, in his father’s presence, Trevor boldly said, “Daddy’s talking nonsense. Don’t pay him any mind.” The punishment that followed was severe, but Trevor endured it without shedding a tear. That defiant bravery foreshadowed the man he would become.

In 1979, shortly after his high school graduation, Hurricane David devastated Dominica. The family home in La Plaine was severely damaged, and the villagers were left in shock and disarray. Communication was cut off between La Plaine and his siblings in the capital of Roseau. At just 17, Trevor took it upon himself to hike the grueling 16-mile journey from La Plaine to Roseau on foot, three days after the storm. He checked on his siblings, gathered food supplies, and returned the next day—this time bringing along his 13-year-old brother. That selfless act was the beginning of a new chapter. Later that year, Trevor moved to Montreal, Canada to live with his beloved Aunt Martha—a move that would alter the course of his life. He remained forever grateful to her for that life-changing opportunity.

From Canada, Trevor eventually emigrated to New Jersey, joining a growing community of Dominican family and friends in Old Bridge and nearby towns. There, he found new spiritual direction and converted from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism, following the path of his cousin, Jeff Colaire.

Around this time, he also reconnected with his high school crush, Norma, who had relocated to the UK after graduation. Their rekindled connection quickly blossomed, and Norma relocated to the US to join Trevor. They were married in 1986 and went on to raise two wonderful sons, Andrew and Jonathan. Their union lasted 39 beautiful years, filled with love, devotion, and faith.

As a father, Trevor was everything his was not - present and loving. Whether pushing a grocery cart through snow or rearranging his schedule to care for his sons, he showed that real love is found in everyday moments.

During the latter part of his residence in New Jersey, Trevor became a very successful real estate developer, and upon his relocation to Florida, continued in that pursuit until the market crash of 2008. He qualified as a Home Inspector and launched Agape Data Home Inspections, LLC – calling himself the “On Call Home Doctor” whilst dabbling in real estate on a smaller scale.

Eventually, Trevor became a pastor (Pastor Francis) - a devoted servant of God. His evangelistic calling was to the nation of Haiti where he would hold crusades and revival meetings as well as provide counsel in agro-economics. He was also the backbone of support to his wife in her mission to a rural community in the Croix des Bouquets region in that nation. Together they served the residents unreservedly for almost twelve years, making several trips per year to that and other regions within that country. From clothing and food drives to coordinating access to healthcare and basic education, Pastor Francis was always working alongside his wife. Most notable are his efforts to assist the survivors of the earthquake of 2010. He played a key role in coordinating the deployment of essential supplies from Hillsborough county, Florida where he lived. In the immediate post-earthquake period and beyond, Pastor Francis assisted his wife in collaborating with several international agencies, providing logistical and other support as part of the long-term recovery effort.

Within the local Garden of Grace Ministries assembly, Pastor Francis’ exuberant worship was inspiring. As a ministry, there were several worship songs which will forever be linked to him. One of those songs is “Goodness of God.” His favorite hymn was “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

He was affectionately known as Papa Francis or “Our Daddy” by the Garden of Grace Ministries outposts in several nations of the African continent.

During the latter part of his life, like Job in the Bible, he bore his suffering with grace, ministering to others with authenticity, humor, and strength. His vulnerability drew people to faith, and his life became a living sermon.

Whether challenging authority with sharp wit or quietly enduring hardship, his inner resilience shone through. That same fearless spirit saw him through every challenge.

Pastor Francis endured a long battle with illness. He faced numerous surgeries and constant pain but never gave in to despair. Instead, he chose hope, faith, and determination. He transformed suffering into testimony and became a beacon for others.

He fought the good fight. He ran the race with courage and purpose, and on the morning of Wednesday, April 30,2025 at 10AM, the heavenly choir of angels welcomed this devoted ambassador of God’s kingdom into his Father’s eternal embrace.

On the eve of his transition, he recited the following verse to Norma: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7,8

Take your rest Man of God! We shall meet again.

A visitation for Francis will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida. A visitation will occur 9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Garden of Grace Ministries, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater, Florida. A celebration of life will occur 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Garden of Grace Ministries, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater, Florida.

A service of thanksgiving will occur Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Garden of Grace Ministries, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33765.

A memorial service will occur Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM at New Jersey Tabernacle, 660 East 6th Street, Plainfield, New Jersey 07061.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Francis' memory may be made to Garden of Grace Ministries in memory of Pastor Francis, www.gardenofgraceministries.org/give.