Madeline was born on December 6, 1970, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Charles “John” and Martha “Linda” Poleon of Saint Lucia. The Poleon’s home was one centered on strong Christian values of love for God, family and caring for others.
In 1979, the family moved to Bronx, New York where Madeline attended PS 44 Elementary School; MS 145 Middle School, and two and half years at Jane Adams High School. In December 1987, the family moved to Orlando, Florida where she graduated from Evans High School and attended Valencia Community College.
Madeline’s strong Virgin Island accent prompted other students, in her early school years, to bully her to the point that forming friendships was difficult. This experience led her to become an “I got your back,” defender of her siblings and others as well as a strong proponent of social justice reform. She was so passionate about having a voice for those who had none that it prompted her to participate in the 1997 Million Woman March in Philadelphia.
In January 1989, she welcomed her “first love” into her life, her son, Dominique. Six years later she would meet Robert, the man who would steal her heart and become the father of her son. This tight knit family has made their home in several states to include Boston, Massachusetts, Sanford, Florida and finally Fort Worth, Texas.
Madeline was a consummate event organizer who loved organizing trips for groups small and large both at home and abroad. She loved traveling and has toured many popular places around the world such as Ghana, Dubai, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia. Her knack for planning eventually led to employment as an Event Planner with the City of Fort Worth, Texas Botanical Gardens.
Madeline was an avid reader who enjoyed novels by African American writers such as Sista Souljah, Iyanla Vanzant, Terry McMillan and Zane. She was also the “fashionista” of her day combining the fashionable elegance of New York City with the simplicity of the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle.
She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, niece, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. She is survived by her husband Robert and son Dominique Burnett of Fort Worth, Texas. She leaves to celebrate her life and mourn her passing, her mother and father Linda and John Poleon, sister: Marvline Poleon; brothers: Barnabas (Vernette) Poleon, Elias (Rhonda) Poleon, and Paul (Tierra) Poleon. She also leaves behind to carry on her legacy nieces: Aimee, Shereen, Chasity, Nia Ellianne and Aubre; nephews: Ethan, Gregory, Julian, Elias Jr., Tyric, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.