Beverly Thornton Crawford Clare

Beverly Thornton Crawford Clare, 76, died peacefully at her son's home in Boston MA, Wednesday, January 13, 2016 following a long struggle with cancer. Beverly was born June 17, 1939 in Richmond, Virginia. She was the daughter of George A. and Irma B. Crawford. Beverly graduated from Hermitage High School in 1957 and earned her BS Degree from The Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary (VCU) in 1961 followed by years of post-graduate work on both her Master’s Degree and Teaching certifications.

Throughout her early childhood and school years, Beverly exhibited a creative flair for designing and sewing her own clothes. She was an accomplished cook and loved to experiment with different foods. Gardening, especially growing her pink roses, was a particular joy.

Beverly began her teaching career in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she met and married John L. Clare Jr. Her husband's career took them to several locations ending in Sutton, West Virginia. Beverly would later return to Richmond to afford she and her two boys better educational choices. She has held several jobs throughout her career , but was most proud of teaching children with learning disabilities in the Goochland County, VA school system. Beverly also taught Sunday School classes at First Baptist Church for 10 years. After retiring from teaching she moved to Napa, California where she managed and operated several Bed & Breakfast Inns. She thought Napa to be a wonderful place to live and how lucky she was to have the opportunity to work there.

Beverly is survived by her sons, John Laurence "Jack" Clare III (Susan) and grandsons, Max and Cole, all of Boston, MA and James Berkley "Berk" Clare (Sarah) and grandchildren Hunter and Caitlyn all of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her brother George A. Crawford (Sandy) of Williamsburg, VA and sister Virginia Gaye Anderson of Marietta, GA. Also five nieces and nephews, one great nephew, other relatives and close friends in both Napa CA and Richmond, VA. Most importantly, she is survived by her beloved dog "Oliver" who was her constant companion. She was preceded in death by her parents, George A. Crawford and Irma Brown Crawford and her former husband John L. Clare, Jr.

Viewing will be 11 AM to 12 noon at the Woody's Chapel, Woody's Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Henrico County, Saturday, January 23, 2016. Services will follow at 1PM at The Mausoleum at Westhampton Memorial Gardens, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Saturday, January 23, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations made to Hospice of Richmond, VA or Boston, MA.