Dara Gaskin
January 6, 2003
May 22, 2026
Dara was born in Loris South Carolina on January 6th, 2003, and taken from us far too soon on May 22nd, 2026, while surrounded by the love of her family.
Dara was a daughter, a sister, niece, Aunt, friend, and a light in the lives of so many people. She is survived by her loving mother, Laura Ann McClain, and father, Lawrence Edward McClain Jr, both of Vinita, Oklahoma. She also leaves behind her brothers Andy Fort and Family of South Carolina, David Searls "Drew" of Pryor, Oklahoma, Brandon Gaskin and Family of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Clayton McClain and Family of Grove, Oklahoma, along with her sister Lori McClain of Grove, Oklahoma.
She was deeply loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends spread across the country, including her Aunt “Birdie” Roberta Woodward of South Carolina, Aunt "Chrissy" Christina Woodward and family of North Carolina, Great Uncle Raymond O’Neill of Oklahoma, and her Great Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Emmett Hull From Oklahoma and her grand father Robert Woodward.
Dara had a soul that could not be ignored. She loved music with all her heart. Singing was more than something she did — it was part of who she was. She was talented and creative, gifted not only in music but also in graphic design. She had an eye for beauty and a way of expressing herself that made people stop and pay attention.
But more important than her talents was the way she treated people. Dara had a heart so full of love and kindness. She wanted everyone around her to feel beautiful, welcomed, appreciated, and needed. She carried herself with compassion, even during times when she struggled to show that same kindness to herself. She had a way of making people feel seen.
Anyone who knew Dara knew she loved getting dressed up, doing her makeup, and putting together looks that matched her mood, her character, and her style. And she was absolutely beautiful — inside and out. Her favorite color was yellow, and honestly, that color suited her perfectly because she brought warmth, brightness, and light everywhere she went.
Dara also attended culinary school through Vo-Tech, where she explored another one of her passions: cooking and baking. She loved creating meals, trying new dishes, and sharing food with the people she cared about. Whether it was music, art, makeup, or cooking, Dara poured herself into the things she loved.
And of course, anyone who knew her also knew she was a social media warrior. Facebook and Snapchat were some of her favorite places to connect, laugh, share memories, and keep up with the people she loved — and I think we all know why. That was Dara: social, expressive, funny, and full of personality.
Losing Dara at only 23 years old leaves a pain that words can never fully explain. There are no perfect answers for why someone so young and so loved is taken so soon. But what we do know is this: Dara mattered. Her life mattered. The love she gave mattered. The memories she created will continue to matter for the rest of our lives.
Though our hearts are broken, we will carry her with us — in every song that reminds us of her, every bright yellow sunset, every shared laugh, every family gathering, and every moment we choose kindness because that is what Dara gave so freely to others.
We will miss her deeply, love her endlessly, and remember her always.
Rest peacefully, our Dara Ann Gaskin.