Despeignes Atis

Despeignes Atis was born in Plaine-du-Nord, Cap-Haitian, Haiti on June 1, 1965 to Mr. Jolivert Atis, deceased, and Ms. Suzette Mondesir. He went by the name Rony, which most people thought was his proper name. His infancy was spent in Cap-Haitian with his mother and sister, Aviole.  At the age of three or four, he was sent to Fond-des-Negres, Haiti, to reside with his aunt Jolina, her husband Lucien, both deceased, and his cousins with whom he bonded like siblings. He lived with them for over ten years before migrating to East Orange, New Jersey to live with his father and his family.

The early years of Rony’s life revealed traits consistent with future great achievement and fulfillment. He was jovial, fun to be with, very cordial and respectful. He was also very intelligent, with marks indicative of a future intellectual. However, Rony’s life was also challenged by suffering, which would obstruct his life pursuits. Just a couple years after migrating to New Jersey, he was forced to return to Haiti due to sickness. He would later return to the USA in 1989. However, he would continue to face disruptions due to health and other complications. He eventually settled in Maryland with his uncle Occius Monperous (deceased) and family. Rony was a hard worker. Shortly after he moved to Maryland he worked for the Red Cross until 2005. He also worked at CHI Center, Inc. with physically disabled people from 2003 until 2009.

In Summer 2003, Rony met his beloved Yvonne at Clifton Park Baptist Church. The two united in marriage on June 12, 2004. Rony braved his life challenges and took every opportunity to advance his academic pursuit. He attended Montgomery college and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. In 2006, he attended University of Phoenix to continue his education. However, further deterioration of his health would hinder his efforts. Meanwhile, his wife would also become ill to the point that they could not care for each other. He had to return to New Jersey to live with his sister Aviole, her Husband Joel and mother Suzette.

Yet, the fervor of Rony’s love for education was never quenched. He previously attended Kean University.  In fact, at the time of his death, he was registered at Montclair State University to pursue a bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

However, Rony’s health challenges could not hinder his success in the arena of most importance in life. He remained dedicated to his wife the very end. His life was unswervingly consecrated to the glory of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This fueled in him a passion to see people to come to Christ. Rony can certainly borrow Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

He is survived by his wife Yvonne Atis; his mother Suzette Mondesir; his sisters, Aviole Atis-Joseph and Balanda Atis; his brothers Billy Atis and Donnie Atis; his uncles Alexis Atis, Pastor Marc Attis, Louides Rock; his aunts, Mrs. Duckens, Maculene Millien, Anouse Rock; his nephews Jethro Joseph, Luther Joseph, Micah Atis, and Aaron Atis; his nieces Jessica Joseph, Jennifer Joseph, Jade Atis, Jolie Atis, Abigail Joy Staco and Olivia Atis; his brother-in-law Joel Joseph; his sisters-in-law Mrs. Sybella Ellong ( Pastor Joseph Ellong), Lovely Atis, Valerie McMullen, Ninette Heiligh, Mrs. Velma Longus (Michael Longus); and his father and mother-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Valesius Macanley.

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