March 18, 1924 ~ June 14, 2024
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15
Vera Marilyn Burdick Tagert, 100, departed this life into the loving hands of her Heavenly Father on June 14, 2024, in Bristol, Tennessee, after a brief illness.
Mrs. Tagert was born in Meeker, Colorado, to John and Elizabeth Burdick on March 18, 1924, the youngest of 12 children. She graduated high school at age 16 and was married to Charles Lincoln Tagert on April 6, 1946, until his death in 2000. Her life was characterized by service, and she retired from the National Park Service after over 30 years of service working in Colorado, Arizona, and Florida.
She lived in St. Augustine, Florida, for 47 years. After repenting from her sin and placing her trust in Jesus and his grace in 1977, she became a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Augustine and was, most notably active in the women’s Prayer Circle. She moved to Bristol, Tennessee, in 2013 to be closer to her son and grandchildren and lived at Brookdale Bristol for the last 11 years, enjoying her friendships she developed who became like more family to her.
Vera — affectionately called “Grammy” — loved God, life and people. She had a sharp mind and a gentle heart. She was patient and wise and never wanted to be the center of attention but often found herself in that position because of how she loved and served other people. Yet, because of this same gentle spirit and humility, people were attracted to her and wanted to be her friend. When she turned 100 a few months ago, friends and family came from the four corners of the United States (and Alaska) to celebrate her life.
Vera never took more than her share of anything, making sure that others had enough. It would seem that she left a small footprint on this world but, in reality, her life of humility and loving care for others left a giant footprint in those who knew her. She was a good and faithful servant of the Lord.
Left to treasure her memory are her son Bert Edwin Tagert, and his wife Linda Tagert; four grandchildren, Marilyn Burns and husband Michael, Stephen Tagert and wife Alicia, Joshua Tagert, and Hugh Tagert; great granddaughter Mallorie Burns; and step grandson James Tagert. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends from Florida to Alaska who will treasure her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, all of her other siblings, her stepson John Tagert, and her step grandson Michael Tagert.
The family is grateful for the recent care given by the Nursing Staff on 2 West and the Hospice House at Bristol Regional Medical Center and Dr. Akshit Griwan and Dr. Meghan Mace as well as the long-term care given by Dr. Philip Claybrook, Dr. Pierre Istfan, and the Brookdale staff.
The family received friends beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday June 17, 2024, at Weaver Funeral Home in Bristol, Tennessee. A funeral service will followed at 6 p.m. with Rev. Robert Russell officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Highland Cemetery in Meeker, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, please provide donations to Grace United Methodist Church, 8 Carrera St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
