Verdie Delana Thomas Taggart, beloved mother, grandmother, artist, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed peacefully in her sleep on January 17, 2026, at the age of 92, in her apartment at Treeo Assisted Living Center in Orem, Utah.

Verdie was born on November 11, 1933, in Vanceboro, North Carolina, to Horace Thomas and Daisy Lillie Hughes. The fifth of nine children, she was raised on her father’s farm during the Great Depression and World War II, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, thrift, and service—traits that defined her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Verdie embraced the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1943 by visiting apostle, George Albert Smith. Her faith became the cornerstone of her life and guided her devotion to family, service, and compassion for others.

Verdie married young at age 16 and became the mother of seven children. Her life took her across the country, from North Carolina to Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, Colorado, California, and finally Utah. No matter the place or circumstance, she created a home filled with love, generosity, and faith.

“Verdie’s life was a testament to faith, goodness, and a mother’s enduring love.”

In 1970, she married Miles Leonard Taggart, blending their families into one of eleven children. Together they worked tirelessly, opening their home to those in need and building a life rooted in service and perseverance. They were married for 44 years until Miles’ passing in 2014.

Verdie had a lifelong appreciation for beauty and creativity. Her love of art blossomed into friendships with renowned artists and eventually into her own artistic expression through encaustic wax painting. Many of her grandchildren treasure memories of creating art with Grandma, who celebrated every effort with genuine joy.

After becoming a widow, Verdie continued to serve others with quiet dedication—visiting the lonely, helping the needy, and remaining steadfast in her faith. She was known for her kindness, humility, and unwavering love for her family.

Verdie’s life was a testament to faith, goodness, and a mother’s enduring love.

Verdie was preceded in death by her husband, Miles Taggart, and her stepson, Larry Taggart. She is survived by her seven children - Arthur Cox, Sylvia Cox Knaack, Ellen Story, Stephen Story, Leonard (Mark) Taggart, Daniel Taggart, Sarah Taggart Smith, and three remaining stepchildren, Kristine Taggart Jolly, Jay Taggart, and Dianne Taggart Creed - and more than 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 80 South 280 East, Orem, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow for close family members at the Payson Cemetery (400 N. 800 E., Payson, Utah), where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Miles.