Obituary of Tara Nadine Stevens

Tara Nadine Stevens was born Tara Nadine Taylor on March 11th, 1955 in Buckhannon, West Virginia, first child to Charles N. “Bud” and Dora B. Taylor. On January 19th, 2026 she left this life to be with her Heavenly Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. Tara spent her early years in Pruntytown, alongside her many cousins and siblings. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1973 and continued her education at Fairmont State College (now Fairmont State University) where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. It is there she would meet her to-be husband, James “Jim” Stevens. She was devoted to her family, living with her beloved mother-in-law Josephine “Jo” Stevens in Charleston for several months while her newlywed husband travelled for work. They would later settle in his home town of Fairmont, parenting two boys: John Joseph “Joey” Stevens, and James Jeffrey “Taylor” Stevens. Tara was always focused on bettering the world she lived in, both in the work she did and how she volunteered her time. She was a member of Trinity Assembly of God for decades, participating in mission trips, church-held events, and many bible studies alongside friends and family. Her dedication came through in her extensive work with local non-profits and charity organizations such as the United Way of Marion County and the Fairmont Rotary Club, organizing to benefit Marion County residents for the latter half of her life. She sought to further strengthen her community through her work, notably working as Director of Human Resources at Fairmont General Hospital (now Fairmont Medical Center). She was beloved by her coworkers, appreciated for her compassionate and hard-working mindset, and would find herself making lifelong friends there. After two decades at Fairmont General she went on to work for UBC and MonHealth Systems in Morgantown, continuing her Human Resources expertise. After retiring in 2020 Tara continued to stay busy, continuing to assist with local charitable organizations, as well as joining CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Marion County. Here she met with children in abusive or neglected households, and worked to find a safer and more loving home for them. In 2022 Tara was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, most commonly known as ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” She would pass the progress of her disease at the same hospital she spent 20 years devoted to. Tara is survived by her loving husband Jim Stevens and sons Joey and James “Taylor” Stevens (Lindsey); brothers Thomas D. Taylor of San Luis Obispo, John N. Taylor (Bea) of Pruntytown, Charles “Dan” Taylor (Melissa) of Baltimore, sister Ada Beth Taylor of Buckhannon; brothers in-law Joseph L. Stevens (Tina) of Washington D.C., Jeffrey L. Stevens of South Charleston, sister-in-law Kat Stevens. Tara is also survived by many wonderful nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at Fairmont Medical Center for the care they gave Tara in her final days. In memory of Tara, we ask that you do as she would. Be a positive force in the community you serve, be a listening ear to those around you, and show love and kindness to those who need it most. In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to CASA of Marion County, https://www.casaofmarion.org/ , or the ALS Association, https://www.als.org/ . The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. Friends will be received at Trinity Assembly of God, 70 Maranatha Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 10 am until 1 pm. The funeral service will be held in the church on Saturday at 1 pm with Pastor Ken Mick officiating. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.