Philemon Fils-Aime

Philemon Fils-Aimè “Mon” or “Brother Phils” as he was affectionately called by all who knew and loved him, was born on July 14, 1943, to the late Archange Fils-Aimè and Lamercie Dessable Fils-Aimè in La Romana, Dominican Republic. On January 13, 1962, at the age of 19, after studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he dedicated his life to Jehovah. Shortly after his dedication, Mon began serving as a special pioneer minister in Gonaives Haiti. His love for the ministry motivated him to preach to anyone he met. The ministry was the center of Mon’s life, and he aided countless people in their journey to learn about Jehovah, including his own family (his mother and six siblings). Later in 1967, he migrated to the United States where he met and married the love of his life, the late Marie (Guerrier) Fils-Aimè. They raised two children, Paula (Fils-Aimè) Young and Philemon Fils-Aimè, Jr. and enjoyed 43 wonderful years of marriage. Mon and Marie enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. As the years progressed, Mon continued his service to Jehovah, steadfast, traveling between Florida and New Jersey. He eventually established his roots in New Jersey where he was instrumental in developing the first French-speaking congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Newark, NJ. In 1978, he moved his family to an English-speaking congregation in Irvington, NJ where he served as a regular pioneer and elder for over 20 years. He finally settled in the Nutley Congregation where he served faithfully as an elder for over three decades until his death. Mon worked diligently to support his family both spiritually and materially. He was an entrepreneur, owning the first Exxon Service Station Franchise in his area, achieving many awards and distinctions. After owning the service station for several years, he moved on to work as a supervisor at Daughters of Israel Nursing Home, and finally ended his secular occupation as a department manager at New Jersey Transit where he retired in 2007. However, Mon’s most successful and meaningful career was his 61 years of service to Jehovah. His favorite expression is found at Matthew 6:33 “Keep on then seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness and all other things will be added to you.” Mon was fluent in four languages, enjoyed the ministry and made friends wherever he went. He was incredibly generous and loved to entertain family and friends from the congregation. On May 26, 2023, at the age of 79, Philemon fell asleep in death peacefully at home after battling a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his wife Marie Fils-Aimè, his father, Archange Fils-Aimè, mother, Lamercie Dessables Fils-Aimè, four sisters: Lillian, Fernande, Rosette, Agnes; and four brothers: Claude, Samuel, Israel, and Paul. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Paula Young, and son, Philemon Fils-Aimè, Jr.; grandchildren, Charlyse Young and Marquis Fils-Aimè, his brothers Amos Fils-Aime, and Osvaldo Fils-Aime, and a host of in-laws, nieces, and nephews, together with numerous adopted sons and daughters. Philemon will always be remembered for giving you a kiss on each cheek, his big infectious smile that inspired joy in others, his booming baritone voice, his love for Jehovah, his love of prayer, and his love for people. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend he was deeply loved and well respected. He leaves a legacy of endurance and faithful service to Jehovah. Mon had unwavering confidence in the Bible’s promise that “He will call, and the dead will answer.” We his family look forward to the time when we are reunited with Mon again. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of NY, Inc. - donate.jw.org Hospice of New Jersey - hospiceofnewjersey.com *********************************************************************** Livestream of Services Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 11am Click https://zoom.us/j/96508246035 (Password: 061423)

Philemon Fils-Aime

July 14, 1943 - May 26, 2023