Clara D. Bugg Shepherd
Clara D. Bugg Shepherd, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Born on Oct. 22, 1932, Clara was the beloved daughter of Benjamin and Veanna Bugg. She was raised in the loving embrace of Wiley United Methodist Church and later found solace at New Covenant Fellowship Church.
Education played a significant role in Clara's life. Her primary education was with Chattanooga Public Schools and proudly graduated from Howard High School in 1950. Clara's thirst for knowledge led her to Clark College, in Atlanta.
There she was initiated into the Alpha Pi Chapter of the esteemed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1951. After seeing the beautiful campus of Hampton in an Ebony Magazine, she set her sights on continuing her educational journey at the renowned Hampton Institute in Virginia. While there she obtained a bachelor’s degree. Clara's commitment to excellence propelled her to pursue a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her unwavering loyalty to her HBCU alma mater was evident through her involvement in the National Hampton Alumni Association.
Clara's passion for teaching is represented by her 34-year tenure with Chattanooga Public Schools. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and shaping future generations left an indelible mark on countless students' lives.
Her love of teaching geography fueled her passion for travel. Clara's adventurous spirit took her on incredible journeys around the world. She explored over half of the states in the U.S. and ventured to countries across every continent, with the exception of two. Some of her most cherished experiences were walking the majestic Great Wall of China, outside of Beijing, and riding a camel to the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Clara's thirst for cultural immersion and exploration knew no bounds.
Clara was an active member of the Professional Teachers Association. As a dedicated Pearl member of the Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated she served on numerous committees embracing sisterhood and contributing to the betterment of her community. After retirement she volunteered at her church (NCFC) and the Tennessee Aquarium, where she served as an Emeritus Docent for over 20 years. She enjoyed being a member of the Diamond Duplicate Bridge Club. She would always start her day by reading her Bible and the Daily Word. Her most recent pastime was playing and teaching her caregivers how to play Kings in the Corner, solving word find puzzles and having snickers, brown cows, and those striped chocolate cookies or ice cream as a sweet treat! She also liked checking in on Facebook even though she thought everyone was sending her personal messages!
Clara's life was enriched by her loving relationships. She shared over 50 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Harold Shepherd Sr., until his passing. Together they raised two wonderful sons. Cherishing their reunion in heaven is Harold Jr. (Barbara), Edward (Angela) who brought immense joy and pride to their lives. Clara's legacy continues through her eleven grandchildren; James, Tasha, Chloe, Ashley, Maya, Samantha, Tori, Aaliyah, Aalicia, Aalyssa and Edward Jr. and three great grandchildren; Samiyah, Isiah and Robert Jr., who she loved and adored, and never missed a birthday; a Sister-In-Law, Geraldine Shepherd and a host of cousins and numerous friends. Their presence filled her heart with love and unforgettable memories.
So let us celebrate the blessing of Clara Bugg Shepherd and her journey of 91 years around the sun! Her fun loving wit, personality and uplifting spirit served as a beacon of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the funeral home.
A 9 a.m. funeral service will take place on Friday, June, 21, at New Covenant Fellowship Church located at 1326 North Moore Road.
Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 11 a.m. gate time.