Dieudonne Oneus

Our beloved patriarch was born on July 17, 1934, to Veneus and Merancia Oneus in SaintLouis-du-Nord, Haiti. He was his parents’ only son; his would-be older brothers all died in childbirth. When his parents realized he would live, they named him “Dieudonne,” which means “God-given.” He later went by the nickname “Djess.” Dieudonne sometimes reminisced about growing up with a blind mother, whose poor eyesight (albeit weakly) was passed on to several of his grandchildren. A humble and diligent young man, he worked as a farmer, cultivating produce and raising livestock. He enjoyed cockfighting as entertainment. In 1978, Dieudonne left his home for the Bahamas, in search of better economic opportunities. In 1979, he met Annasia Presume, who would be his partner for many years. Dieudonne was also proud to raise Annasia’s prior children as his own. Eight years later, in 1986, they immigrated together to the United States, where he would spend much of the rest of his life. In the U.S. he did various odd jobs to make ends meet, such as landscaping and cooking at a restaurant. His hard work allowed him to provide for his big family, which was split across several countries. In 1992, he was badly injured in a car accident and bedridden for four years. His youngest daughter, Marie Therese, cared for him. Dieudonne persevered, however, forcing himself to go up and down Dixie Highway on crutches. He eventually learned how to walk again, a skill which he put to good use around Pompano. A steadfast presence, Dieudonne continued to contribute to his community, babysitting his grandchildren often and nurturing his friendships within his wide social network. He was a friend to all, never discriminating based on social status. He had a magnetic and generous personality that drew others to him. Accordingly, he fathered 15 children over the course of his life. He is survived by 35 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and his wife of 16 years, Marie-Grace Toussaint. Those who knew him will always remember his gruff voice and his boisterous laugh. We will remember spotting his signature fedora and knee-high dress socks by the side of the road, shaking our heads fondly and wondering how he managed to walk so far in a single day. We will remember him as a man who demanded respect but earned love. And he was well-loved indeed. He is survived by: Marie Grace Toussaint Oneus-Wife and their son Jeffley Oneus. Annasia Presume- Former Partner and their children Marie Oneus and Dennis Oneus. His children: Silvita Oneus-Celisma, Dieulique Oneus, Jorel Oneus, Enock Oneus, Serol Oneus. His Step-Children: Maurice Constantin, Francois Durand, Amelie Nordelus, Giselene Petit-Phard, Annalise Geffrard. His Children in Law: Anelion Celisma, Camitha Francois Oneus, Clea Neto Oneus, Anna Geffrard Oneus, Florence Alexandre Oneus, Wesly Stenor, Carly Alouidor. His Grandchildren: Angeline Prosper, Marie Helene Prosper, Cliford Jean Baptiste, Eveline Oneus, Lovely Oneus, Joseph Oneus, Ruth Oneus, Anna Djenie Pierre Louis, Rose Merline Pierre Louis, Will Smith Pierre Louis, John Bedjhie Robert Altena, Ovline Lefleuvre, Marculene Lefleuvre, Guerline Lefleuvre, Julie Saintilus, Abigail Mauge, James Orneus, Emmanuel Solitaire, Ted Prosper, Sholmide Oneus, John Oneus, Ruth Oneus, Naomi Oneus, Mika Oneus, Emmanuel Oneus, Sara Oneus, Cianna Oneus, Ethan Oneus, Norah Oneus, Graysen Oneus, Athena Stenor, Armannee Stenor, Amare Stenor, David Alouidor and Aeriam Alouidor. Honorary Grandchildren: Nasia Nordelus, Lucnel Nordelus, Andrew Nordelus, Rosevillardine Belony-Pierre, Christelle Belony-Chariot, Pascale Belony, Leila Belony, Willard Belony.

Dieudonne Oneus

July 17, 1934 - July 16, 2024