Clarice S. Tappan

Our precious little Mother and Mamaw was swept away on the wings of angels with a peaceful look upon her face, October 28, 2017. Her forever sweetheart and dear family welcomed her into God’s Promised Land. Her precious Lord and Savior and Holy Mother greeted her, and the heavenly hosts proclaimed, “Hallelujah”! United with loved ones all---two legged, four legged and holy, “best of all”. Devoted, loving, faithful, determined and perpetual, ever ready for whatever God chose.

A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, she was an incredible woman. She loved her family deeply and had a great love for animals, especially dogs. She was a founding member and first director of the Rio Grande Obedience Dog club. She had a kennel and raised, showed and judged dogs a good part of her life.

From the age of 3 years old she was performing on stage, singing, dancing and playing the piano and violin. A beauty form birth, she was in many beauty contests over time. She was the Lead Drummer in the first all girl drum core at Ysleta High School, and was also the Lead Drummer at The Texas Collage of Mines and Metallurgy. (UTEP)

She played in the Percussion section in the collage band, where she met the love of her life, David Tappan. They married in 1940 and shared 63 years of marriage before his death in 2003. They had 3 daughters: Claire Marie, Sharon Ann and Johnell Sherwood. Blessed with 7 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 10 great- great- grandchildren, she has really been the matriarch of our family! She was an accomplished artist, despite Macular Degeneration, which finally kept her from fulfilling her ambitions. She loved fishing and going to their beloved “Tappan’s Camp David” in Timberon, New Mexico where she spent many happy hours filed with fond memories. She never lost her faith, (always saying her prayers without fail) humor, love of family, friends, pets, life and spirit.

If it were ever possible to recreate the woman she was, in us and our offspring, the heavens would open up and the angels would sing, “Amen”!!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert John Sherwood and Ellis Josephine Bradt Sherwood and Brothers Herbert Norman Sherwood and Everett James Sherwood. She is survived by daughters Claire Tappan Lewis (grandchildren -David Lewis (Debbie), Melissa Lewis Livingston (Michael); Sharon Tappan Azar (grandchildren-Stephanie Knipp Kerr, Charles Knipp (Linda); Johnell Tappan Smith (Sammy) (grandchildren – Sharon Danley (Bryce) and Shelley Williams (Michael). Also survived by nieces Shirley Ann Sherwood, Mary Ellis Merritt (Fred) and Nancy Lee Gold (Larry)

Pall bearers: David Lewis, Charles Knipp, Michael Livingston, Matthew Mattox, James Merritt, Vince Knipp, Branden Livingston, Jeremy Hicks and Christian Smith

Honorary Pall Bearers: Sammy Smith, Hardy Lewis, Phil Azar, Darrell Buchanan, Billy Howell, Jan Oliveri, Robert Rancich II, Garrett Lewis, Brett Williams, Tyler Williams, Dawson Danley and Bert Sherwood.

Special thanks to long time family friend, Dr. Branch Craige, Dr. Meneer Assi and Julie Zuniga, RN, FNP-C, Dr. Edward Assi. Heartfelt thanks to Eva Ramirez, Adriana Luna and Sargario from Nurses Care Home Services. She really loved each of you. Thank you for making her life more enjoyable. You lavished her with love and excellent care.

Please make donations to Animal Rescue of El Paso, El Paso Humane Society or any other animal serving organizations.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Funeral Home, El Paso, TX.