D'Juan Miguel Hernandez

1966 - 2024

D'Juan Miguel Hernandez, a man of unwavering faith, boundless entrepreneurial spirit, and deep devotion to his family, peacefully departed from this world on May 29, 2024. Born October 24, 1966, in Franklin, Louisiana, to Dr. Don J. Hernandez and Elnora Polidore Hernandez, D'Juan's life was a testament to the values instilled in him from his Catholic upbringing. His spiritual journey began at St. Jules Catholic Church, and his faith remained steadfast throughout his life, a guiding light that illuminated his path even in times of darkness. D'Juan's educational journey was marked by his passion for music and academia. From his early years at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary where, as a kindergartner, he was introduced to the violin and the cello. His musical appetite broadened, and at Franklin Junior High School under Ronald Bernard, he developed an interest in the trombone. It became his major instrument at St. Augustine High School where he became a proud member of the St. Augustine Marching 100 under Mr. Edward H. Hampton. His musical escapade led to a foray into the jazz idiom, and he became a member of the St. Augustine Jazz Orchestra under Mr. Blouin. In his senior year at St. Augustine, he earned a seat in the Louisiana All State Jazz Band and recorded with the group. D'Juan was a proud Purple Knight. Graduating from St. Aug, he continued his education at Xavier University of New Orleans, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and English. D'Juan ultimately pursued a career in law attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law and continuing at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He became a member of the State Bar of Louisiana and went on to establish the Hernandez Law Group and Business Advisors. It was D'Juan's entrepreneurial spirit that surfaced as his true passion. A graduate of Tulane University, A.B., Freeman School of Business, he embarked on numerous ventures, including LA Waters, a bottled water delivery company; and the non-profit "Raphael Village" of New Orleans. He was an ardent supporter of the Algiers Community Development Association. He believed in the power of ideas, and the need for creating opportunities, especially as Faculty Lead and Business Advisor for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. He was also engaged in several business startups in southwest Louisiana, all a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment. Through all his work, D'Juan leaves an enduring legacy of innovation and community empowerment. Amidst his professional endeavors, D'Juan's greatest joy was his family. He cherished moments spent traveling with loved ones and relished in being Poppi D to his granddaughter, Madisyn Gianna Hernandez. As we bid farewell to D'Juan, let us take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of God and the angels. D'Juan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Coleman and Alice Polidore and paternal grandparents James and Hazel Hernandez, his uncles Jon R. Hernandez and Coleman Polidore Jr., his aunts Hazel Widow, Emily Alexander, Queenie Polidore, and Alice Marie Broussard. He is lovingly remembered by his parents, his uncle Renaldo Hernandez, his children Katelyn, Jessica and Christopher Hernandez, his sisters Jualea Hernandez and Jalicia Parker, former wife Tara Carter Hernandez, his nephews Bradford and Silas Parker, his special brother David McClean, his business partners, and a host of other friends and family. Rest with the angels D'Juan in the sight and presence of God. Service: June 7, 2024, St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1923 St. Phillips St., New Orleans, La. 70116. Visitation: 8:00 am and service to start at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Augustine High School of New Orleans, staugnola.org, under the Give Now section. Please include the following in the special instructions: In Memory of D'Juan Hernandez. Arrangement by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.