VerDene Marie Brown Stephens

With profound love and sorrow, we remember VerDene (Deni) Marie Brown Stephens, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend, who passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

VerDene was born March 20, 1950, in Ogden, Utah, to Fred LeRoy Brown and Mary LaRue Tippets Brown. She married Danny Douglass, and together they welcomed two beloved children, Brandi and Brody. After their marriage ended, she married Craig Stephens, and they shared many years together until his passing in 2017. Through every chapter of her life, she remained a devoted mother, a guiding light, and the heart of our family.

VerDene was known for her strength and kindness. She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. She gave endlessly of herself, always putting others first and never expecting anything in return. Throughout her life, she faced many challenges with remarkable bravery and strength. Even in the face of unimaginable health struggles, VerDene met each day with courage, handling every trial with grace and quiet determination. Her bravery was not loud or showy, but steadfast and deeply inspiring, a testament to a woman who faced adversity with dignity and an unshakable spirit that touched many hearts.

VerDene had a deep love for the outdoors and for camping, which she often called her home away from home. She found peace in nature and adventure in the open air, and she was even known to shoot a gun or two, a reflection of her strong, fearless, and spirited nature.

She was a devoted foster parent in Weber County for over 20 years, opening her home and her heart to more than 200 children. She loved each one with unconditional care and went far beyond what was expected of her to ensure they felt safe, supported, and truly seen. She nurtured them through some of life's hardest moments, celebrated their successes, comforted them through struggles, and offered steady guidance and encouragement that many of them had never known before. Each child left her home carrying a piece of her love and wisdom, and the countless lives she touched are a lasting reflection of her remarkable compassion and devotion.

VerDene was an incredible seamstress whose hands created comfort, joy, and love in every stitch. She made clothing for her children, preemie clothing for her foster babies, doll clothes, and lovingly crafted blankets and pajamas for many nieces, nephews, and her grandchildren. Every piece she made was more than fabric and thread; it was a reflection of her heart, her patience, and her desire to bring warmth, happiness, and care to those she loved. Her sewing was another way she showed her love, quietly and beautifully.

She was a lover of music, karaoke, and dancing. Whenever you visited her home, especially when she was cooking in the kitchen, you could always count on her favorite songs playing on her stereo, and you might catch her humming along, belting out her favorite song, laughing at missed notes, filling the room with fun, laughter, and giving you the urge to join in. It was often shared with those she loved most, especially her family, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. They are a tight knit family who can always count on one another.

Her connection with her two sisters was extraordinary, full of love, laughter, support, and lots of great times. Together, VerDene and her sister Korene created and manifested NSWA, the National Sisters Weekend Association, a legendary annual get together for her sisters, nieces, and daughter. Decked out in boas, diamonds, brooches, silk gloves, and anything that made them feel extra BEAUTIFUL, they hand selected glamorous destinations, became the life of the party, and even invited strangers to join the fun if they dared. Their celebrations included "handsome man contests," "bad taste parties," and whimsical "calorie free" meals, where Pig Wands waved over food magically, eliminating calories. These weekends were a shining example of their playful humor, boundless creativity, and love for life. With her siblings, VerDene shared countless cherished memories, famous Brown Parties, a playful sense of humor, and a love for them that radiated in everything she did; her family was all her Favorite and meant everything to her.

Above all, VerDene was a mother whose love knew no limits. She loved her children fiercely and was always there to guide, nurture, and support them. As a single mom for many years, she built a full life for them, teaching them to be strong, independent, and grounded by setting an example through her own life. She taught resilience, compassion, honesty, and the importance of loving deeply and unconditionally, and her love will continue to guide and inspire them every day.

She is survived by her children, Brandi Thomas (Jared) and Brody Douglass; her beloved grandchildren, Rhett Douglass, Tess Douglass, and Sky Thomas; her cherished bonus grandchildren, Jeremy Thomas (Amy) and Naomi Cassett (Gabe); and her siblings, Maxine Maloney, Glen Brown (Lenore), Neil Brown (Marty), Korene Ewing (Paul), and Alan Brown (Darcy). VerDene's spirit will continue to shine brightly in every life she touched, her love and laughter echoing in our hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, and one grandchild.

She will be forever missed, endlessly loved, and always remembered.

We are deeply grateful for her family and friends who stood by her side, providing love, care, and support during the most challenging time of her life. Though her health would not allow her to express it, VerDene's appreciation was boundless, and our family's gratitude goes far beyond words. You know who you are

A special thank you to Inspiration Hospice, who provided the most compassionate, loving staff anyone could ask for.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Noon at Premier Mortuary, 5335 South 1950 West, Roy, UT 84067. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at VerDene's home in Roy at 5:00 p.m.