Leah Grace Tarvin, a born leader, friend to many, and beloved daughter entered into the presence of the Heavenly Father on Nov. 3, 2022, at the age of 22. Leah was born Sept. 22, 2000, in Marshall County, Alabama, to Mark Anthony and Cynthia Denise Thomas Tarvin. From the moment she was born, Leah was special. She never met a stranger and was an outgoing child. Leah participated in pageants, various clubs, the marching band, and any activity that involved honoring both military and law enforcement agencies. She was a talented musician and vocalist, mastering the piano, trombone, guitar, saxophone, and trumpet. Leah was a member of the track team as well, specializing in the javelin and shotput. Upon graduating from Holly Pond High School in 2019, Leah began pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. She graduated Wallace State Community College with double associate degrees in the spring of 2021 and began working towards both her bachelor’s and master’s degree at Jacksonville State in the fall of 2021. Leah bloomed even more as a young woman in her time at JSU and her leadership, compassion, and kindness was apparent to those around her. Leah was honored to be invited to become part of the student body leadership of JSU and was nominated to serve as the treasurer of Alpha Phi Sigma. While Leah marched to her own drum beat and made an impact on everyone she met, Leah also loved her family dearly. On several occasions she sacrificed activities and events that she hoped to participate in because Leah believed she would place a burden on her family. She chose time with her family over time with friends. Leah’s heart was truly the heart of a servant, honoring the commands of her Heavenly Father to love others. Leah was a child of the King, having accepted Christ as her Savior on June 24, 2010, in Vacation Bible School at Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church. Leah continues to love and give to others in her generous gift of organ and tissue donation. Those who had the honor of knowing Leah will be forever changed by this sweet young lady and her beautiful spirit will live on forever in the many people she touched in her twenty-two years.
Leah’s life is being celebrated on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, on the campus of Wallace State Community College. The family will receive guests in the Betty Leeth Haynes Auditorium beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:30 p.m. Leah will be brought home to her beloved Holly Pond, where burial will immediately follow services in Holly Pond Cemetery. Zac Ayers, Vince Hart, Marc Hodges, Brandon Boike, Clayton O’Shields, Mac Whelchel, and Jacob Duck will serve as pallbearers, with J.T. Barbee serving as honorary pallbearer.
Leah was welcomed into heaven by her grandfather, Marvin Thomas.
Those surviving Leah include her parents, Mark and Cindy Tarvin; brothers, Michael Tarvin and Eric Tarvin; grandparents, Lou Thomas, Tommy and Carolyn Tarvin; aunts and uncles, Angie Barbee (Paul), David Thomas (Terri), Russ Thomas (Linda), Jon Tarvin (Lisa), Phillip Tarvin; adopted Maw Maw, Becky Barbee; and many cousins, family, and friends.
In the event you would like to make a donation in memory of Leah, an account has been opened at Traditions Bank of Holly Pond. Jacksonville State is also collecting funds to begin a scholarship in memory of Leah.
A few of Leah’s most recent accomplishments…
~ Holly Pond Senior Class 2019 Who’s Who awarded for Most Talented
~ Distinguished Young Women of Cullman County Miss Congeniality
~ Wallace State Awards and Accomplishments:
~ SkillsUSA State Champs
~ SkillsUSA Nationals 2nd Place
~ Who’s Who Award
~ Presidents List
~ Deans List
~ Associates in Applied Science – Law Enforcement
~ Associates in Applied Science – Forensic Investigation
~ Short Term Certificate – Law Enforcement
~ Short Term Certificate – Crime Scene
~ GPA 3.57
~ Jacksonville State Awards and Accomplishments
~ LAE Criminal Justice Fraternity
~ APS Honor Society
~ APS Treasurer
~ SWAT Worker
~ Resident Assistant – The Pointe
~ Best Office Support Staff (SWAT)
