Jacqueline Prepetit

The Lord is my Shepherd;

I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul;

He leadeth me in the paths of

righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the

valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me;

Thou preparest a table before me in

the presence of mine enemies;

Thou anointest my head with oil,

my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall

follow me all the days of my life;

and I will dwell in the house of the

Lord forever.

Tribute Reading

Held on October 28th, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Opening Tribute:

Led by the Funeral Director

First Tribute: Psalm 91

by Denise Smith-Balthazar (Daughter-in-law)

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,

We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman, Jacqueline Pepetit. Jacqueline was not only a devoted mother but also a loving grandmother. Her loss has left a void that is particularly deep for her son, my husband McReynald Balthazar. As we reflect on her life, we find solace and comfort in the timeless words of Psalm 91, which beautifully encapsulate the enduring faith and strength that Jacqueline embodied throughout her journey.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Jacqueline found her refuge in the love and care she provided to her family. She was a shelter of warmth and protection, offering comfort and solace to those she held dear.

"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Jacqueline's unwavering faith was her guiding light. She trusted in the Lord's wisdom and found strength in her deep belief. Her trust in the divine provided her with the fortitude to face life's trials.

"Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence."

Jacqueline's nurturing spirit and love shielded her loved ones from harm, just as the Almighty's protection shields us from life's snares. She cared for her family with unwavering dedication.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Jacqueline's love was like the comforting shelter of wings, providing safety and warmth to her family. Her steadfast faithfulness was a shield, a source of strength for her loved ones.

"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day."

Jacqueline's love banished fear from the hearts of her family. Her presence brought peace, even in the darkest of times.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

Jacqueline's love and care were a constant presence in the lives of those she cherished, watching over them like a guardian angel.

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name."

Jacqueline's deep love for her family mirrored the Lord's love for us. Her love was boundless, her protection unwavering.

" 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.' "

Jacqueline's legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She acknowledged the Lord's name in her actions and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In closing, let us remember Jacqueline Pepetit as a woman of deep faith, unwavering love, and unparalleled strength. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and the enduring bonds of family. As we say our final farewell, let her memory be a source of inspiration and comfort for us all, knowing that she now rests in the shelter of the Most High.

Amen.

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10 no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Second Tribute: Thessalonians 4:14

Read by Mikayla Danae Balthazar (Her Granddaughter)

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,

We gather here today to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman, Jacqueline Pepetit. She was not just a devoted mother but also a loving grandmother. Jacqueline's passing is particularly poignant for her only child, McReynald Balthazar, and for all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we remember Jacqueline, her unwavering love and compassion shine through the words of Thessalonians 4:14 (New International Version): "For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

Jacqueline was a beacon of love and kindness in our lives. She lived her life with a grace and generosity that left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She held her family close to her heart, cherishing the moments spent together. Just as the verse reminds us of the belief in a reunion with those who have passed, we hold onto the belief that Jacqueline's spirit lives on, forever connected to us.

Jacqueline's love extended not only to her only child, McReynald, but also to her role as a grandmother. She embraced this role with open arms, nurturing and guiding her grandchildren with the same love that she gave to her own child. Her legacy of love will continue to shape their lives, just as the verse speaks of a lasting connection with those who have departed.

Thessalonians 4:14 reminds us that there is hope beyond sorrow, and faith beyond loss. It tells us that the love we shared with Jacqueline will remain in our hearts, and that her memory will always be a source of comfort and strength.

In closing, let us remember the beautiful soul that Jacqueline was, and the love she shared with each of us. Her memory lives on in our hearts, and we find solace in the belief that she is in the loving presence of our Creator. As we bid farewell to our dear Jacqueline, may we hold onto the faith that we will one day be reunited with her in a place of eternal peace and love.

Amen.

Third Tribute: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Read by Lashera Smith (Daughter-in-law Sister)

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,

We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, Jacqueline Pepetit, a devoted mother, and grandmother. Her loss weighs heavily on her only child my brother-in-law, McReynald Balthazar, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 from the New International Version:

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Jacqueline's journey through life was a testament to the ever-turning wheel of time. She was born into this world, and today we gather to remember her as she departs from it. She nurtured, she healed, she built, and she laughed with all her heart. Yet, today we also weep and mourn her passing, for the time has come to say our earthly goodbyes.

Jacqueline was not just a mother and grandmother; she was a source of unwavering love, support, and wisdom. She planted seeds of kindness and compassion in the hearts of those she touched. Her laughter was infectious, and her embrace was a haven of warmth and solace.

In Ecclesiastes, it is written that there is a time for everything, and Jacqueline's time with us was a gift. Her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the memories she created, and the values she instilled in her family.

As we bid farewell to Jacqueline, let us remember the seasons of her life—the laughter, the tears, and the love she so generously gave. While we mourn her absence, we can take solace in the knowledge that her memory will forever dance in our hearts.

In closing, let us cherish the time we had with Jacqueline, a devoted mother and grandmother. May her spirit find peace in the eternal embrace of time, as we carry her love and wisdom with us, forever and always.

Amen.

Final Tribute: Psalm 23 - Eulogy

Read by Lashana Edwards (Daughter-in-law Sister)

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Jacqueline Prepetit, a remarkable woman whose journey through life was a testament to faith, incredible courage, and unwavering love. She was a devoted mother, an admired mother-in-law, a cherished grandmother, and a source of inspiration to all who were fortunate to know her.

As we reflect on Jacqueline's life, we are reminded of the timeless words from Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." These words resonated deeply in Jacqueline's heart, as she lovingly cared for her only child McReynald Balthazar and later, as she became a doting grandmother to two beautiful girls Mikayla Danae, and Milayna Danielle Balthazar. She provided for her family with a love that knew no bounds.

Born on July 15, 1934, Jacqueline's life was a tapestry of experiences and adventures. One of the remarkable chapters in her life was written in 1976 when she found the courage to conquer her fear of flying. Despite her trepidation, she embarked on a journey from Haiti to New York with her young son, seeking a better life. In the face of the unknown, she embraced Psalm 23, finding strength in the assurance that "He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul."

Jacqueline's arrival in New York was not without challenges. She arrived in a land where she did not know a word of English, but her determination and perseverance were unwavering. Like the shepherd guiding his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death, Jacqueline navigated the unfamiliar terrain, learning a new language and building a life for her family.

Through her hard work and resilience, Jacqueline became employed to support her son and provide him with opportunities she could only dream of in Haiti. She worked tirelessly, embodying the spirit of Psalm 23: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Jacqueline's life was a testament to the power of love and faith. She faced adversity with grace and unwavering trust in the Lord. Her legacy of love, courage, and sacrifice will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends.

Jacqueline lived her life with grace and humility. Incredibly down-to-earth, she valued family above all else, showing interest in cooking for her loved ones traditional Haitian cuisines, and celebrating our birthdays and holidays together. Jacqueline’s home was wherever we were.

As we say our final farewell to Jacqueline today, let us remember the words of Psalm 23: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Jacqueline has found her eternal rest in the loving embrace of the Lord, and her memory will live on in our hearts, a beacon of love and faith for generations to come.

May her soul rest in peace.

Amen

The Closing Prayer:

Led by Deacon Jim