Frantz Shoubert Jeannis was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti to Marie Claire Seraphin and Marcel Silvance Jeannis on November 3, 1949. He attended Lycee Petion and served as an altar boy at Cathedral d'Haiti. Frantz and his siblings came to America on August 31, 1962. The family moved to Portland, Oregon and Frantz attended St. Andrew's Elementary School where he served as an altar boy. He also attended Benson Tech High School and was the first Haitian to graduate from there.
As a true and complete athlete, Frantz excelled at many sports, but football was his true love. He was a successful running back and tight end in high school and that led him to play college football. His football career led him to University of Washington, Michigan State, and University of Texas at El Paso. Frantz attended East West College of the Healing Arts and graduated with high honors. His degree in Sports Massage Therapy jumpstarted his lifelong career. He worked with Dr. Bill Flowers and also the Portland Trailblazers. His branch of the business was called Harmonious Balance.
Frantz was blessed with his only son, Trent LaTroy Jeannis. Trent was such a joy to Frantz. Frantz played football with him, and taught him the values of wisdom and understanding which made him a true, loving value to his community. Trent then blessed Frantz with his only granddaughter, Tameyah Jeannis who he adored. He always wanted the best for her and wanted to see her accomplish all her dreams.
One of his passions was eating his mother's fresh Haitian Caribbean food which he did every evening. He took great care of her and loved spending time with her and sharing great advice. He was the rock for his mother and her pillar of strength. He was truly a man of simplicity, he didn't like to make things difficult. He always said "Simplicity is the spice of life for me!" Jazz music was another passion that Frantz shared. He loved to listen to jazz music and play the trumpet. He drove his family crazy playing that trumpet in the attic.
Even as a young man, he believed in discipline, hard work and was a positive role model in every life that he touched. His positive reinforcement was our strength. "You got to be strong!" Any adversity he faced in life he faced with strength and dignity, loyalty and love. He was very spiritual, intellectual and a classy gentleman. He was a good brother, a good father, a wonderful, special son and a loving grandfather to Tameyah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie Claire Seraphin and Marcel Silvance Jeannis; his only son, Trent Jeannis; and his brother, Eddie Dieu Donne Jeannis.
Left to cherish his memory: his granddaughter, Tameyah Jeannis; sisters, Mireille, Myrtho, and Marjorie; sister-in-law, Orita Jeannis Mere; godson and nephew, Anael Jeannis; nephews, Andre Merisier Jeannis, Jude Jeannis, Yves Jeannis, and Junel Jeannis-Ostin; nieces, Quatashia Jeannis and Tammy Jeannis-Hill; and a host of great nieces and great nephews, extended family, and friends.
