Brother Derilus Jean was born on April 6, 1951, in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, to his loving parents Charles Jean and Julianne Plancher. He lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and a remarkable work ethic. 

He was born into a large and loving family, with four sisters: Maricile (who gave him 5 nephews),  Cenilia (who gave him 2 nieces and 4 nephews), Jeannette (who gave him 2 nieces and 2 nephews), and Celina. He also had seven brothers: Tyson (who gave him 2 nieces and 3 nephews), Duken (who gave him 5 nieces and 2 nephews), Claircuis (who gave him 3 nieces and 3 nephews), Emanes (who gave him 4 nieces and 7 nephews), Dieusel (who gave him 2 nieces and 4 nephews), Dorvilus (who gave him 3 nieces and 7 nephews), and Delier (who gave him one niece). Over the years, he experienced the sorrow of losing many of his siblings, and today, his remaining siblings are Tyson, Delier, and Celina; carrying forward their shared memories and the bond they built since childhood.

He met the love of his life, Labanite, when they were both young and knew quickly that she was the one for him. They married in 1971, in their early twenties, and shortly afterward he traveled to Nassau, Bahamas in 1973 to work so he could support his new wife and build a strong foundation for their growing family. 

They welcomed their first three children in Jean-Rabel, Haiti (Stanley, Becky, and Tina) but as they dreamed of creating a better life for their family, he hoped to journey to the United States. His wife, however, was determined that they would not make such a big move without the presence of important loved ones—her sister, Celanie, and her cousin, Elta. With time, opportunity, and family unity guiding them, they eventually made the move to the U.S. together in 1980. During this time, their oldest three children remained in Haiti under the loving care of his sister-in-law, Gertha. Once he and his wife became established in the U.S., they joyfully sent for their children, reuniting the family they had sacrificed so much to build. They later welcomed their youngest three children (Stephanie, Nehemie, and Kervin) in West Palm Beach, Florida, completing a beautiful family of six. Over the years, he and his wife celebrated 54 years of marriage—a true testament to their love, resilience, and lifelong partnership.

A true builder at heart, he loved working with his hands—creating, fixing, and bringing ideas to life. He especially enjoyed his career in construction and carpentry work alongside his oldest friends, Pastor David Pierre, Fr. Majeste Marcelin, and Fr. Lebien; moments that brought him joy, purpose, and brotherhood. In 1987, he proudly became a homeowner, an accomplishment that meant the world to him. He took great pride in updating the house in his free time, adding personal touches and improvements that reflected his craftsmanship and care.

His impact extended far beyond his home, since a young man he was active leader and member in the church. In Haiti, he was a youth group leader and a deacon. As a founding member of First Haitian Church of God of West Palm Beach, in March 1983, he played a prominent role in helping establish church’s foundation. He helped build the church with his own hands, dedicating early mornings and late evenings to the work, shaping its foundation through his commitment. Additionally, he served faithfully as a deacon, lifted his voice in the choir, and joyfully welcomed others as a parking attendant, ensuring every guest felt seen, safe, and embraced. He also proudly served as the church’s very first bus driver, helping bring families and community members to worship and making it possible for many to attend who otherwise could not make it the service. He often believed anything was possible, saying “depi nou gen moun, nou gen lajan.”

Alongside his spouse, he embraced entrepreneurial ventures, including founding Latino Caribbean Bakery, a reflection of their shared dedication and commitment to their community.

He celebrated one of his greatest joys in 1998, when he became a grandfather for the first time. He cherished each of his grandchildren deeply: Joshua (Becky’s son), Alexa, Anthony, and Israel (Stanley’s children). His pride in them was immeasurable, and he delighted in watching them grow.

He found peace near the water—fishing and spending time by the ocean, where he felt closest to God and nature. This love for fishing was something he joyfully shared with his youngest son, Kervin, creating memories and traditions that will live on. One of his favorite pastimes was playing dominoes, a game he approached with warmth, laughter, and friendly competition.

He believed deeply in the power of community and was fond of building friendships with his neighbors, always offering help, support, and kindness. Through these relationships, he helped build a stronger community for all of us, one meaningful connection at a time.

In the latter years of his life, he faced the difficult battle of prostate cancer with quiet strength, resilience, and dignity—leaning on his faith, his family, and the love that surrounded him.

Together, he and his wife modeled a powerful example of dedication, integrity, and perseverance. Their children grew up watching their parents work hard, serve others, and build their lives with purpose—and in doing so, they developed the same strong work ethic that continues to guide them today.

Through every season of his life, he carried a spirit of humility, strength, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, devotion, and faith that will be cherished forever.

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