Marva J. Leonard-Dent

God, the Father, our Redeemer and Restorer, called Marva by name. He whispered of His undying love gently in her ear, commanding her heart to be at peace, and welcomed her home to rest eternally in His love. She heard His voice, and on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Marva Jean Leonard-Dent (68), a loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, closed her eyes and woke peacefully in the arms of her Savior.
 
Born on August 20, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana, to Henry (Jr.) and Verneal (Hill) Leonard (both deceased), Marva graduated from LaSalle High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the esteemed Howard University. In 1983, she received her Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University.
 
Marva married Dorian N. Dent in 1986, and their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Dionne JaNae and Dorian D. Dent (both of whom preceded her in death). She was an extraordinary mother, and nothing gave her greater joy than her children's love. As a gift, both were blessed with her ability to light up a room. Like Marva, they could make you smile when tears threatened to fall, laugh until your stomach ached, and provide the kind of all-encompassing comfort that eased your worries.

Marva loved the blessed life she lived. She doted on her family and was happiest when they were all together. She lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people who adored her. 
In addition to being devoted to her family, she was a member of Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ, the St. Joseph County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Network; the American Trial Lawyers Association; Indiana state, national, and American bar associations; the St. Joseph County Bar Association; the International Association of Human Rights Agencies; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the National Association of Trial Advocacy; the National Organization for Legal Problems in Education; the National School Board Association's Council of School Attorneys; Phi Delta Legal Fraternity, Incorporated; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. 
 
Although retired from private practice, she relished her previous work as a city attorney, attorney for the South Bend Community School Corporation, Executive Director of the South Bend Housing Authority, and as a certified realtor and investment sales broker with Weichert Realtors Jim Dunfee & Associates. She was consistently recognized for her commitment to excellence, receiving numerous accolades, including the Pride of South Bend Temple #264 Unsung Hero Award
. 
Blessed to have loved her and left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Diane (Gloston) Jackson, Cheryl Leonard-Carlisle, Rita Harris, Craig (Ernestine) Leonard, and Leanette (Willis) Mccaster; nieces and nephews: Shawna Evans, Michael LeSure, Antonio Talton, Gregory Harris, Calvin Daniels, D' Juan Brown, Christopher Harris, Marcus Parker, Monique Edwards, and their children. In addition, she will remain in the hearts of a host of extended family members and many dear friends, including Dorian Dent and godson Andrae Scott. 

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. (Psalm 147:3 & Revelation 21:4)

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