Donna Garrison Leonard - Oil Portraits - Everlasting Portraits

Tara Drummond

Tara Marie Drummond was born in Abilene, Texas in 1982 and moved to Georgia with her family in 1995.

She graduated in 2000 from East Paulding High School with aspirations of “growing-up” and becoming an FBI Detective someday.

For six years, she worked at the Law Offices of Vinson, Talley, Richardson, & Cable as a co-op student and then as a full time employee after graduation.

Her dream of Law Enforcement began to take shape in early 2005 when she joined the Kennesaw Police Force and began the Academy in mid-2005.

Tara suddenly and tragically lost her life in a weapons training incident during a training exercise on September 13, 2005. Her fellow Officers in Kennesaw and her class mates in Academy Class #219 will always remember and miss her.

On September 17, 2005, Donna attended Tara's funeral service and was moved so deeply in her heart, that she knew she was being led to contribute to Tara's memory. God must have impressed her to use her marvelous talents because nothing less could have allowed what was to follow.

For several months at the end of 2005, Donna studied pictures and painted two oil paintings.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2006, the City of Kennesaw hosted a ceremony to unveil the paintings. Multiple media representatives covered the event and many local dignitaries attended.

Kennesaw Police Chief Tim Callahan conducted the ceremony in excellent fashion.

Family and friends were able to honor and commemorate Tara, along with Donna and the City of Kennesaw on this very special occasion.

Though Donna had never met Tara, she was able to envision her beauty and personality. The beautiful renditions created from simple photographs captured the smile and character of our precious Tara and of course, Daisy.

Unveiling the portraits at the ceremony, the Artist (Donna), the Family, and Kennesaw Assistant Police Chief Bill Westenberger hung the portrait in the entry foyer of the Kennesaw Police Department.

Each time someone enters the foyer, Tara will be remembered and honored.

We are so thankful to Donna and her unselfish heart. May her life be richly blessed and may her talent shine everywhere.

Tara Drummond Website