Shanika Renee Martin

Shanika was a bouncy vivacious baby girl born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas on May 29, 1977 to Irmon and Mary Furlow Gentry. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church. Her parents noticed early in her childhood that her appearance was important to her. Everything had to be just right and her ponytails were always on point. She was a special child; a rare “rich gift” who never met a stranger, inspired and encouraged everyone who crossed her path. She loved God and trusted him with her whole heart. Shanika was a 1995 graduate of Delight High School. It was there that she formed lasting relationships with the faculty, students and staff that would last all of her life. She was a very intelligent young lady who had a heart of gold and she really loved her family. Her fascination with clothes, hair and makeup later led her to the Arkadelphia Beauty College where she received her Cosmetology license. Shanika always made sure her hair whipped and makeup was flawless. She was a past employee of Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. and was the “Queen” of Hilltop. She currently worked as a Mental Health Paraprofessional at Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center. “Nika” as she was often called was a true friend who was known to “tell it, like it is”. Her loyalty as a friend could never be questioned. Nika met Marcus Martin and their love was instant and true. They were married on January 1, 2011 and the Lord added to this union Marcus, Jr., Marquris and Mariah. Nika loved his children as her own. Her greatest joy was the birth of their son, Darius Martin on July 21, 2011. Although his life was so brief she savored in the opportunity to hold and kiss her baby. She never forgot Darius and would light candles in his memory and place beautiful arrangements at his resting place. Nika possessed the gift of “gab”. She could talk a person into, out of, for something or against something. She spent countless hours lending a listening ear and in return giving sound and wise advice. She loved to watch movies and was always ready to give her review. On Monday, February 2, 2015, in the comfort of her home Shanika slipped the bonds of this life and passed into the Lord’s embrace. Nika will be forever missed and her time here on earth can be summed up by the Essence of a Man quote: “I expect to pass through this world but once. And good therefore that I can do, or and kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” She leaves to forever cherish her memory: her husband, Marcus Martin; her step-children whom she loved as her own, Marquris Martin, Marcus Martin, Jr. and Mariah Martin; her mother, Mary and Rickey Penny of Delight; her father, Irmon and Ira Gentry of Lockesburg; her father and mother-in-law, Kenny and Sharon Weston of Hope; her grandmothers, Minnie Furlow and Roberta Gentry of Delight; a special adopted grandmother, Ollie Richardson of Delight, AR; her siblings, Michelle Furlow Hunter of Arkadelphia, AR, Chris (Felecia) Furlow of Delight, AR, Natasha Leeper of Flint, MI, Raylon Hubbard of Ashdown, AR, Iresa (Elton) Jones of Mineral Springs, AR, Kimbala Rowe of Hope, AR, Antaneil Scoggins of Hope, AR, Antanell Rowe of Nashville, AR; a special lady, Mary “Aunt Mary” Matthews and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; her girls, Nicole Lackey, Lytesa Harris, Shaketha Buford, Lacole Meeks, Vonne Nelson, Tennelle Thomas, Keisha Gentry and numerous friends. Public visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2015 from 1-4pm at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Antoine. A Celebration of her life will be shared on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Delight High School Gymnasium. Rev. Rufus R. Hatley will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be n Harrison Chapel Cemetery.