Michael Toussaint

Born October 1st, 1956 – February 13th, 2019

Michael Toussaint, affectionately called Mike, was born on October 1st, 1956 through the marriage of his deceased parents Stephanie Sanderson-Toussaint and Joaness Toussaint from the Caribbean Island of Dominica. Michael humble beginning began in the village of San Sauveur in Dominica where he began his educational pursuit at the San Sauveur Government School and transition to the Dominica Grammar School (high School) in Roseau, the capital of Dominica. From there his quest for being independent and managing his own affairs began. He joined the Dominica Police Force and served for about 4 years. Michael would never settle for mediocracy, thus his ambition to acquire more, and do better for himself landed him in the United States. Michael learned from a very young age that success comes from hard work and perseverance and was willing to endure any hardship in order to succeed. In deed he endured hard times when he landed in Miami to work in the cane plantation. Coming to Houston seemed like a beacon of light, however, not knowing anyone to assist him in the process of getting acclimated was extremely challenging until he got connected with other Dominicans. Survival was the only word on his mind until he landed on his first employment in an antique shop. He worked tirelessly, but did not allow the hardship he endured deter him from reaching where he wanted to be in life. He later got married to his wife, Gwendolyn Toussaint.

Dedication to the call of duty was embodied into the very fiber of his being and would stick to his commitment no matter what the cost. However, life throws curve balls sometimes which would force one to make certain decisions that are very hard, leading to his divorce. Despite that painful decision Michael did not give up but continue striving and working hard and would continue to do so until he obtains what he wants. He attended Houston Community college and obtained his AA degree and numerous certificates in areas that he explores. With the help and support of Carrie, his spouse of ten years plus, Michael found his career choice with AAA and gave his all till the time of his death. Michael’s commitment supersedes all other. Absolutely nothing kept him from his assignment for 20 plus years. Not only was he committed but his excellent work ethics are accounted for through his numerous awards, honors and accolades received from the companies he worked for.

Michael has left to morn three children, Irvin Toussaint, Judy Toussaint and Stephanie Toussaint. One daughter in Law Tameka Toussaint, One grandchild Alyssa Toussaint. His sisters and brothers: Emanuel Toussaint, Bridgette Alie, Edith Toussaint, Dora Toussaint, Gertrude Toussaint-Florent, John Toussaint, Justinian Toussaint, Linda Toussaint-Peter, and Ruby Toussaint, Dr. John Toussaint, Sylvester Toussaint, Juliana Toussaint, Rene Toussaint, and Joseph Toussaint. He has numerous nieces and nephews, Isabella (husband and children), Glen (wife and daughter), Joanne (husband and children), James, Nervell (and son), and Natasha (and children); Annaclett (husband and daughter), Janice (husband and children), Vanessa (husband); Georgette (and children), Kelyn (husband and children), Kirt; Clarrisa (husband), Delroy (and son), Ellan; Kamal, Keisha, Justin, Juslyn (and daughter), Joshua, and Justina; Rhett (and son), Rachel (and son), Kalyan (and children), Kosi, and Joshua. Numerous cousins, uncles, and aunts both in the United States and Dominica, including Churchill Stoute and family; In-laws, Special friends: Ann Hector, Carrie, Tiny, Francess, Autumn and Richard Biggs; his coworkers at AAA, Urne Cornelius, Alfred Okotete, his neighbors and many more both here and abroad.

Michael’s moto “Never Forget where you came from” and “let the good Spirit lead” kept him humble and to himself. That was demonstrated by the numerous siblings that are in the United States because he remembered where he came from when he helped one of his siblings to be in the United States which became a gateway to all others. He never fails to recognize that God was in control of everything and recognizes Him for his goodness. He was a prime example of a law abiding citizen. He was also a pioneer member of the Dominica Houston Association.

Departing from this world is never easy for the love ones that are left behind. However, we have learned to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and wisdom to know the difference as quoted by Dr. Niebuhr. As we continue life’s journey without our father, brother, relative or friend, may we continue to press on towards the Mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Let us live our lives positively impacting others, remembering that tomorrow is not promised.

May you rest in Peace Mike, while you await that great resurrection day. For it is written in: Daniel 12: 2 “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt”. Your sleep will not be long for Jesus is soon to come! Let us all strive to be among those who will awake to everlasting life.

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?