Leslie Buckner Marlar, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026.

Born on September 11, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Leslie was the daughter of the late Leslie M. Buckner, M.D., and Sudie Crider Buckner. She graduated from The Seven Hills School in Cincinnati and attended the University of Alabama.

Leslie married the love of her life, Richard T. Marlar, a graduate of Georgia Tech and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Their life together began in Sasebo, Japan, where they started their family. Following Richard's military service, they made their home in Carrollton, Georgia, where Leslie would live for the remainder of her life.

Above all else, Leslie was a woman of boundless energy, enthusiasm, and joy. Whatever she pursued, she did so with determination and excellence. She was a member of The Garden Club, a soloist at Carrollton Presbyterian Church, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a Girl Scout Leader. A gifted horsewoman from childhood, she competed successfully as a hunter-jumper rider with her horse, Pal, and was also an accomplished clay skeet shooter. She trained and showed her beloved Great Dane, Alex, to championship titles. On the tennis court, she became a multiple-time Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles Champion at Sunset Hills Country Club and was a longtime member of Carrollton's ALTA women's team.

Leslie carried that same energy into her home and family life. She loved every holiday and delighted in making them magical for those around her. She designed and hand-sewed Halloween costumes, decorated Christmas trees throughout the house, and created traditions that her family will cherish forever. She also loved camping, hiking, and picnicking in Georgia's state parks with those she loved most.

Nothing, however, brought Leslie greater happiness than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never missed a swim meet, band concert, football game, baseball game, basketball game, or tennis tournament. She willingly traveled anywhere to cheer on the people she loved. In many ways, Leslie became a mother to far more than her own children; her home was always open, her kitchen was always full, and there were always snacks, laughter, and encouragement available for whichever children happened to gather there.

Leslie was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Richard Marlar, in 2015; and her sisters, Joanne Scott and Betty Andrews. She is survived by her children, Richard (Sharon), Susan (Patty), Charlie (Jennifer), John (Kelly), and daughter-in-law Sheryl Marlar; her grandchildren, Davis Marlar (Casey), Kane Marlar (Hannah), and Clay Marlar (Lizzie); her great-grandchildren, Mason, Madison, and Abigail; and another great-grandchild expected in September 2026.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the devoted staff and caregivers at Brookdale, Leslie's home for the past three years, for their compassionate care and kindness.

In accordance with her wishes, Leslie was cremated. The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM.

Leslie's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she welcomed, and the countless lives she touched through her generosity, strength, and unwavering love.

Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the Marlar family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com.