Today, we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate and honor the life of Marlon Leonard Goulbourne. His life was a beautiful blend of strength, generosity, humor and grace. His presence touched everyone blessed enough to know him.

Marlon Leonard Goulbourne was born on April 26th, 1986 to his loving parents, Dawn and Trevor Goulbourne in Brooklyn, New York. Marlon was the third son of Trevor but the first child for Dawn. Six years later, Dawn and Trevor later had a daughter, Trevena, who Marlon proudly protected until the very day of his passing.

Having noticed his gifts and talents from a young age, Marlon's parents chose to nurture his intellect at Happy Home Academy where his teachers insisted that he do an IQ test. It was discovered that at age 6, he had an IQ of 116. He later continued his studies at Langston Hughes Elementary School where he graduated as valedictorian and earned the Presidential Award from President Clinton. These gifts and talents earned him a seat at Philippa Schuyler Middle School for the Gifted and Talented where he earned a scholarship with the esteemed program called A Better Chance. This program highlighted high achieving students from underserved communities who could indeed use a better chance to further develop key skills. At the age of 14, Marlon courageously moved to Simsbury, Connecticut to begin his new life in a boarding school program meant for accelerated boys. Here is where he was warmly welcomed by his host family, the Marshes. From that point on, the Marshes accepted Marlon as one of their own, loving him and ensuring his success throughout his high school career. During high school, he earned several awards which later led him to attend the University of Connecticut for a brief period of time.

After attending UCONN, Marlon also attended LIU Post where his passion for poetry began to take shape. At this time, Marlon's other identity known as doc the poet began to form as he performed on several stages where he highlighted his talents as a wordsmith. Marlon always felt like he was a doctor and his words were medicine because earlier on in his life, he aspired to become a medical doctor. After graduation with his masters from LIU POST, Marlon eventually became a mental health specialist where he provided care to the needs of adults with various disabilities.

Early in 2021, Marlon met the love of his life, Victoria where he courted her until he decided that it was time to propose. In 2021 on Christmas Eve in Jamaica, Marlon asked Vicky to be his life partner and of course, she said yes. On September 9th, 2022, in front of God and their loved ones, they expressed their love for one another and made a commitment to stick with each other through thick and thin. Their love for each other was shown in true form with the birth of their son, KingMorgan Nael Goulbourne on October 23rd, 2024. Vicky loved Marlon, affectionately calling him Big Poppa because he was the big poppa to their little poppa. KingMorgan gave his father, Marlon a new sense of purpose. Marlon began to truly live his life and embrace fatherhood the moment he learned of his new role. They were buddies and not only looked alike, but also dressed alike. Marlon enjoyed dressing KingMorgan just like how Marlon's mom, Dawn enjoyed dressing him as a young boy. Marlon knew all of Gracie's Corner's songs because KingMorgan loves this playlist as if it were made for him. KingMorgan fell asleep so comfortably in his father's arms because those arms were specially made for him.

Though he is no longer here in the flesh, Marlon leaves behind his grandmother, Mabel Wint- Green parents, Dawn and Trevor Goulbourne, his second set of parents, Collette and Tony Allen, his brother Trevor Junior, his sister, Trevena, his wife, Victoria, his son, KingMorgan, his inlaws, Mr. and Mrs. Esteve, and a whole host of family, friends and colleagues spanning across continents. He was and will always be loved by those who ever had the chance to experience his light.

Marlon was a man who sought to spread love to those near and far. His laughter was contagious and his smile was infectious. His life was a reflection of the countless wrestling matches he watched, winning each one in his own way. His love for Marvel could only be explained by those he watched it with and anyone who was willing to listen. Most importantly, like he did in his younger years, it's important to note that Marlon hit his home run. He made it to heaven to be with those who preceded him such as his brother Chad, his godbrother Jermaine, his grandparents, Dudley Rust, Joyce Lewis, Ivel Morgan and Sydney Russell.

As we prepare to depart from here today, we turn to the comfort of scripture reminding us of God's ultimate plans for us. In the book of Jeremiah, we read "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart." The book of Jeremiah later continues with "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you," sayeth the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."