Vera Tagert

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 twelve 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 eleven 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 will receive friends beginning at 5PM on Monday June 17, 2024 at Weaver Funeral Home in Bristol, Tennessee. A funeral service will follow at 6PM with Rev. Robert Russell officiating. A Graveside Service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday June 22, in Meeker, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please provide donations to Grace United Methodist Church, 8 Carrera Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.