Evelyn Darlene Taylor Jenkins

Evelyn Darlene Taylor Jenkins, born August 27, 1943 in Cedar City Utah, the oldest of three children to Grant Ross Taylor and Esther Harrison Taylor, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2022. Although she lived in areas from coast-to-coast and Hawaii, she was raised through her younger years in California. She moved to Salt Lake City in the 8th grade where she attended Hillside Jr. High, Olympus Jr. High and Olympus High School. She attended BYU-Hawaii and the University of Utah, where she met her eternal companion Edward (Ted) Gabbott Jenkins. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 8, 1965. Darlene worked on the staff of Senator Wallace F. Bennett in Washington, D.C. while Ted attended medical School at George Washington University. She felt that raising a family of good people would be the greatest contribution she could make for humanity. Ted and Darlene were blessed with seven wonderful children. They were her life and love. Her home was especially open to their friends. Darlene loved athletics. She enjoyed tennis, skiing, dancing, biking and running. She enjoyed working in her beautiful garden in her mountain home, and cooking "tasty" meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed sewing and other crafts; making clothes, drapes, costumes, incredible quiet books and handiwork. She was also active in the community, serving on the volunteer board of Ballet West and the Utah Symphony Guild. Darlene loved the arts and felt a deep sustenance from them during hard times. She was devoted to her husband and family and the Lord. Darlene had a sturdy testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its precepts and served in many callings throughout her life. Her favorite was teaching the 12-year-olds in Sunday School. She loved to read Church books and historical novels, but more especially enjoyed reading to her young children. She was grateful for her pioneer heritage and was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers for many years. She was pleased to serve as President of the William Joseph Taylor Family Association.
In her later years she enjoyed singing with two vocal groups: The Cheery Notes and Act III of the Assistance League of Salt Lake City. Darlene and her family are grateful for doctors who practiced sound medicine in maintaining her health. Darlene's grandchildren made her especially happy and proud. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ted. She is survived by her dear family; Edward T. Ted Jenkins (Tara), Megan Wagner (Richard), Mary Beth Cannon (Peter), Harrison T. Jenkins (Jessica), Spencer T. Jenkins (Adrianne), Adam T. Jenkins (Amber), Andrew T. Jenkins, brothers Darron G. Taylor (Wendy), Mark R. Taylor (Mary Jane), 25 precious grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Written by Darlene Jenkins, May 2022
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the committed staff and caregivers at Spring Gardens Senior Living and Inspiration Home Health and Hospice.
Viewing will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. in Salt Lake City from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 21, 2022 at Larkin Sunset Lawn at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held before the funeral service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Memorial Park.
To view the services via Zoom, please click on the following link, https://utah.zoom.us/j/98663021834
Meeting ID: 986 6302 1834
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