Marie Therese Louis

A loving, kind, and beautiful woman, Marie Therese Louis shined in every room she graced—a shine that only comes from a generous, God-fearing spirit.

Born Marie Therese Jean on June 23, 1939, in Jacmel, Haiti. She was the only daughter of Mabone Jean, who worked as a maid. Her father, Benoit Jean, was a trader who bought and sold coffee and cotton and lived in Jacmel. She was one of his five daughters and one son. She was very close with all her siblings throughout her life.

Growing up in Haiti, she made lasting memories and developed lifelong friendships, including Gesner Louis, whom she had known since she was 10 years old. As a teenager, she formed a bond with Gesner Louis, who had become a popular local musician whose career was starting to blossom.

They started their new life together in Haiti with their four children: Ernst, Gessie, Chantal, and Myrtho. Gesner was able to travel to Canada and the United States to pursue his musical career. He was then able to apply for his entire family and mother-in-law to come to the United States. Once here, Marie Therese was able to advance her skills and career as a seamstress.

Marie Therese insisted that responsibility for his other child, Marie Helene, who was born months before the birth of their first child, Ernst should include helping her to come to the United States as well as insisting that Marie Helene and her family be a part of his life and the lives of their children. This was important to her because of how strong and loving her relationship with her siblings was. She also had a godchild, Marie Renee, whom she basically helped raise, and continued to provide for and communicate with.

She was a wonderful cook, but her passion was sewing. She was a seamstress who enjoyed making matching outfits for her children and grandchildren. She also made some alterations to her son-in-law Harry's pants from time to time. Sewing for people was beyond a job for her; she cared for everyone through her sewing. Even in Haiti, when someone did not have the money to pay for a dress or outfit she made for them, she simply told them to pay her when they could.

After finding salvation and faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, she was baptized with her daughter Gessie. She joined the Caring Ministry at Bethany French Baptist Church and served in this ministry throughout her walk with The Lord, even via a digital platform.

Upon moving to San Antonio TX, five years ago and started attending Cornerstone Church with Gessie and Harry Philibert, her daughter and son-in-law. While there, she participated in gatherings with the Special Needs Ministry, which they volunteer with.

She was an extraordinary daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many others. She lived with an unabashed desire to experience life, from enjoying house parties to visiting friends and family to singing in her church choir—she truly was one of a kind.

Marie Therese entered eternal life on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Gess. Her spirit is carried on by her four children, 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and an extended family of relatives and friends. She was lovingly known to everyone as Madame Gess.

She is survived by:
Children
    •    Ernst Louis
    •    Marie Gessie Philibert 
    •    Marie Chantal Abel
    •    Myrtho Manigat
Grandchildren 
    •    Francine Sherees Miller
    •    Cynthia Baptiste
    •    Raquel Yolanda Etienne
    •    Alain Manigat
    •    Dr. Natacha Baptiste 
    •    Erick Manigat 
    •    Imani Charmaine Philibert 
    •    Nathaniel Rafiq Francois 
Great Grandchildren 
    •    Natalie Christine Etienne (Raquel)
    •    Katelyn Gabrielle Etienne (Raquel)
    •    Laila Noel Miller (Francine)
    •    Melanie Manigat (Erick)
    •    Julian Manigat (Alain)
    •    Liam Russell Miller (Francine)
    •    King Manigat (Erick)
    •    Avery Manigat (Alain)
    •    Marielle Manigat (Erick)
God Daughter 
Marie Renee Compere
-Marie Helene Pierre Children:
    •    Stanley Pierre
    •    Nelly Pierre
    •    Scarly Pierre 
    •    John Pierre - Deceased