Dara Lynn Martin

of Malvern, Ark., passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024. She was born on July

30, 1970, in Little

Rock, Ark., to her loving parents, Raymond and

Susan (Wheeler) Leatherwood.

Dara’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and dedication to serving the Lord and her family. Alongside her husband, Jacob Martin, she led their congregation in worship every Sunday at The Church in Malvern where she played bass guitar and sang backup vocals.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the church walls. She delighted in homemaking; cooking meals from scratch, baking cinnamon rolls, and grilling for the whole family. She found joy in cultivating a vegetable garden with her children and tending to her chickens. Dara loved the outdoors and could often be found hiking or laying in the sun on her front deck.

Her beautiful, sparkling white smile and infectious laugh lit up whatever room she was in. She had her own unique sense of humor and if she thought something was the least bit funny, she would laugh and give you a gentle squeeze on the arm or a light brush on the shoulder to get you to laugh with her.

Dara’s greatest joy was found in her role as a mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her children, Alexis Reid Tadlock, Alyssa Raquel Reid (Connor) Davis, and Jacob Martin Jr.; along with her adored grandchildren, Charlotte Page Davis and Wilson Rutledge Davis, who affectionately called her “Dedo.”

She is accompanied in death by her husband, Jacob Aaron Martin, and youngest daughter, Aleah Kay Martin. She is preceded in death by her infant brother, Brian Lee Leatherwood; and sonin-law, Charles Tadlock.

In addition to her parents, Dara is survived by her siblings, Kevin Ray (Fran) Leatherwood, Nolan Kyle (Angela) Leatherwood, and Clay Harden (Lydia) Leatherwood, who shared in her joys and sorrows throughout her life’s journey.

While Dara’s earthly presence has come to an end, we know she lives for eternity in the presence of her Savior.

In lieu of flowers, please help the family celebrate Dara’s life by donating to a memorial fund to aid in costs of the funeral and final resting place: https://www. joincake.com/memorial-pages/ jacob-dara-and-aleah-martin/ A memorial service for Dara will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72210.