Dieufort Philippe

Dieufort Philippe, 87, passed away peacefully in his home in Albertville, AL, on August 9, 2025. Born on the night of September 30, 1937, in Saint Louis du Nord, northwestern Haïti, he was the son of Philistin Philippe and Sara Duvercy, who were both remarkable farmers. At the age of 19, Dieufort left Haïti for the Bahamas, where he worked in gardening and construction for various hotels. He took pride in contributing to the early construction of the now world-renowned Atlantis resort. Many are unaware that he lost vision in one of his eyes during its construction. But, it did not hinder his progress and success throughout this life. In his mid-30s, he immigrated to the United States, where he met the love of his life, Uranie Philippe. They were married on May 17, 1975, and built a life together filled with dedication, hard work, and their love of God. They recently celebrated 50 years of love and devotion. Dieufort was a leader and a deacon at the Bethel Haitian Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. His faith in God was the guiding force of his life. He loved to study, argue, and teach the word. He would open up his home for fellowship and collaboration. The life he and his wife, Uranie, built in New Jersey helped to serve as a foundation for much of their extended family’s migration from Haïti to the United States. Their home was a sanctuary that served as a catalyst for mobility and stability for their loved ones. Dieufort retired from Columbus Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, before settling with his wife in Alabama in June 2000. There, he became a member of the First Baptist Church in Albertville, where he served diligently and built a community. He was a part of the prison and the prayer ministry, and even had a full circle moment in returning to the Bahamas on a mission trip where he helped to construct a home. He also served as a driver for Cahill Ministries, in support of under-privileged children. His entire life was one of deep servitude. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, Cedieu, Desses, Lecion, and Cedènié Philippe, as well as his beloved daughter, Mimose Philippe Wagnac. He is survived by his grandson, Rickardo Remy of Arizona, and his best friend in life and death, his wife, Uranie Philippe. Though the two never had any children of their own, they parented a village. His legacy of strength, honor, resilience and an unrelenting love of God lives on through them. There is much in a name, and “Philippe” or “babe”, as he was lovingly referred to by his wife, lived up to his name. “Dieufort”- a name that comes from the French and Haïtian Creole root: “Dieu” meaning “God”, and “fort” translates as “strong”. Dieufort Philippe was a strong man, rooted in God’s word. His official given name, “Dieumon-fort” translates as “God my strength.” He believed in God’s strength, and lived a faithful, honorable life. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 Services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Albertville First Baptist. The burial will be at Memory Hill in Albertville. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shepherd's Cove Hospice.

Dieufort Philippe

September 30, 1937 - August 9, 2025