Renette Dorvilus

*June 24, 1939 – July 20, 2025*

Renette Dorvilus was born to Emilca Pouca and Lucima Thermedor on June 24, 1939, in Aux-Cayes, Haiti. She was raised with her siblings by her father before moving to live with her mother in Port-au-Prince at the age of fifteen. While in Port-au-Prince, she began her career as a businesswoman, opening a shop where she sold boutique clothing.

In 1971, she traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, leaving her two children behind to seek a better life for her family. There, she continued her career as a businesswoman and met the love of her life, Jean Claude Dorvilus. It wasn't long before she took a leap of faith and made a solo trip to the United States, where she settled in Miami, Florida, in 1973.

Determined to reunite with her children, she found work as a seamstress at the famous Dorissa clothing factory in Wynwood and housekeeper, saving enough money to bring her children to the U.S. in 1978. During that time, she married the love of her life and had one more child before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1980. She continued her career as an entrepreneur and would frequently travel to New York to buy merchandise to sell.

Although she gave birth to three children, Renette became a mother to many. She adopted the daughters of her late sister, fully cared for her grandchildren, and supported many others. She did all this while maintaining full responsibility for her loved ones back in Haiti.

Renette was a dedicated Christian who was baptized at Free Methodist Christian Community Church lead by senior pastor Leon Joseph and later a supporting member of Pèlèrin Evangelist Baptist Church. She was a dedicated member, part of the Women's Ministry at both places of worship.. She enjoyed shopping and cooking, and made it a tradition to gather family and friends daily for meals. Through this, she showed her love, nurture, and care to everyone.

On Sunday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by love and light, God welcomed His faithful daughter home. Renette leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and boundless generosity. She touched every life she met with grace and tenderness, and she will be deeply, eternally missed.

Rest in peace, sweet angel. Your love echoes through generations, and your spirit will forever light our hearts. We love you.