Clara Mae Beard

She was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas on August 2, 1925 to Bessy and Harris Alexander. Clara came to Lansing in 1944 and later married Napoleon Milton who passed away in 1968. She subsequently married Lenyon Beard.

Clara and Lenyon (Bedoc) enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling in their motorhome. Often with them were their grandsons, Ericon, Hershel, Jr., or nephew, Jo Jo. She was also happy when gardening or doing yardwork. She enjoyed decorating and redecorating her house. Last, but not least, were her yearly yard sales which were very important and fun for her. She loved counting the money upon completion. She enjoyed her job at Knapp's Department Store where she became supervisor of the elevator operators.

Clara is survived by her only son, Hershel Milton, Sr. (Elizabeth) as well as Lenyon's children, Erle, Silvester, Lenyon, Donna (Alan) Cain, and Billie (Angela) Lewis. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Ericon Milton, Erle Beard, Jr., Marcus and Jeffery Cain, and she has two great grandchildren, Hershel III, and Conner Milton. She also leaves many special nieces and nephews including nieces, Diane Swanson, Judy Alexander, and nephew, Joseph Alexander. Kind neighbors Shirley and Curtis Smith were always there to help. Thank you to everyone.

Clara had six brothers and sisters who all preceded her in death: sister, Queen Stephens, Ozie King, and Kate Wilson and brothers, Willie, David, and Harris Alexander. Her grandson, Hershel Milton, Jr., also passed away before her.

She enjoyed her friends and family gatherings, especially when dinners were involved. Family was very important to her.

A funeral service for Clara will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a half-hour prior visitation from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917. Following the service, Clara will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Quandell Alexander, Ericon Milton, Erle Beard, Jr., Jeffery Cain, Marcus Cain, Judy Alexander and honorary pallbearers, Edward Stephens, Joe Alexander, Melvin Stephens, Erle Beard, Sr., Hershel Milton, Sr., and Billy Lewis.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the many acts of kindness, love, and support. Your prayers, calls, visits, and every act of kindness have provided so much support for which we are forever indebted. Thank you for your sympathy during this difficult time. We would also like to give a special thanks to the doctors and staff at Regency Lansing West for the special care they gave Clara for so many years.