Clara Z. Shearer

Clara Z. Shearer, 89, of Bedford, died on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Meadow View Nursing Center. She was born on July 23, 1936 in Bedford, a daughter of the late Robert A. and Hazel (Smith) Karns. On March 31, 1973 in Cumberland, MD, she married Richard W. Shearer Sr. and he preceded her in death on November 16, 1999. She is survived by a daughter: Cathy Moore of Cumberland, MD; seven grandchildren: Michael Ray and wife Claudia, Amanda Ray, Katherine Cheshire and husband Mark, Christopher Anderson, Jennifer Deurr and husband Wes, Clara Powell and husband Joe, and Roger Dawson and fiancé Krisanna; 23 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four sisters: Nancy Winter and husband Dave of Swansea, SC, Yvonne Ryan widow of John of Centerville, Mary Jane Brown widow of Wayne of North, SC, and Freda Crozier of Columbia, SC; two brothers: Robert Karns widower Lyn of Bedford, and Rodney Karns and wife Patricia of Cumberland, MD; and special friend, Ron Grabusnik of Bedford. She was preceded in death by three daughters: Debra L. Ray, Laurie Dawson, and infant Georgia L. Diehl; five grandchildren: Brandi Miller, Ricky Sluss, Britany Vanetta, John Vanetta and Michelle Hoggard; and an infant brother, Billie Karns.

Clara was a former member of Providence Lutheran Church, as well as the Bedford American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Cumberland American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for over 40 years. She was the owner and operator of Dick & Clara’s restaurant and tavern alongside her husband for 34 years.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Dan Diehl officiating. Burial private. Friends will be received on Friday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.