Clara Agnes Shute Taylor

With deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Clara Shute Taylor, our cherished mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, who passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 at the age of 96.

Claire was a woman of strength, compassion and grace. Born in Calumet, Michigan, she dedicated her life to caring for others - both in her family, in a hospital setting, and in service to her country. A proud member of the United States Army Nurse Corp, she served with honor and courage overseas in Germany, offering comfort and healing to those in need. Her time in uniform shaped the gentle discipline, resilience, and compassion that guided her throughout her life.

After her military service, Claire continued to nurture and uplift those around her - as a devoted wife to James Holmes Taylor, a loving mother to Michael Morgan Taylor, Kathryn Taylor Teare (David), Mary Kaye Crenshaw, and James Jay Taylor (Connie), and an adoring grandmother to Steven Taylor Crenshaw (Janie), Leah Claire Crenshaw, Zachary Jordan Taylor, Connor Michael Taylor, John Morgan Teare and Mia Grace Teare. Her warm smile, gentle humor, and endless kindness were her trademarks. Whether she was tending her garden, working on hand stitching, cooking for her family, traveling with her husband, or sharing stories from her depression era childhood, she reminded us daily what it meant to live with love and purpose.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Jim, brothers Bernard, John and Frank Shute, sisters Mary and Bernice Shute, son Michael Morgan Taylor and grandson James Robert Teare.

A memorial service honoring her life and legacy will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison Alabama. Visitation will begin at 10am, followed by a funeral mass at 11am. Immediately following the mass, family and guests will proceed to Faith Memorial Park for internment with military honors. A luncheon reception in the St. John’s Parish Hall will follow the internment. Family, friends and former caregivers are invited to join in celebrating her remarkable 96 year life of service and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Alabama Hospice.

Though she has left our sight, her courage, kindness and gentle spirit will live on in all of us who were blessed to know her.

‘Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”