Biography: Marva Renee Tarrant, daughter of the late Marvin Tarrant and Emily Geneva Sheppard was born on December 21, 1956. Marva and her brother James were raised in Harlem, New York.  

A graduate of P.S. 190, P.S. 136, and Washington Irving,  Marva identified two of her life passions early on – culinary arts and child welfare. 

Marva was a passionate child advocate who dedicated her professional career to enriching the lives of youth with special needs. Her inherent warmth, supportive nature, and sense of humor served her well during her 29 years as an Mental Health Therapy Aide at Bronx and Manhattan Psychiatric Centers. 

Marva was celebrated for her culinary arts, particularly baked goods. She was also well known for her various hairstyles and later the signature headwraps that captured her creativity and distinct sense of style. A member of Abyssinian Baptist Church, Marva was also an avid world traveler whose favorite destination was Egypt. 

Marva Tarrant, cherished by her loved ones, died on January 17, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, and Aunt E who helped raised her. Marva leaves to celebrate her life: her only son, Julius W. Brown; brother, James Tarrant;    sister-in-law, Carla Tarrant; nieces, Jaatoya, Autumn, Kyra and Kayla as well as longtime friends, Anita Robinson, Sabrina Mobley, Melanie Roller-Robinson and Felicia Dennis.