Bernice "Bernie" Bazemore Clapp

Bernice “Bernie” Bazemore Clapp, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. Prior to moving to Athens, she lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for over fifty years. Bernie was born December 8, 1942, in Scotland Neck, North Carolina and moved to Raleigh at age six. Bernie graduated from Broughton High School, Raleigh, NC in 1961. She attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina and then the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 1964. After graduation, Bernie moved to Winston-Salem where she began her teaching career at Sherwood Forest Elementary School. It was there that she became the beloved “Miss Bazemore”. She was adored by her students, and she adored them, as was evidenced by her keeping in touch with many of them well into their adult lives. It was also during this time that she met Hubert “Bruce” Clapp and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1967 and began their beautiful life together.

Bernie was devoted to her community. She was a member of Knollwood Baptist Church, Arborvitae Garden Club, the Junior League of Winston-Salem, and Forsyth Country Club. She volunteered her time and talents to many civic and charitable organizations. In 1988, she decided to earn her Real Estate license and set out on what would become a magnificent thirty-year career at Prudential Carolina’s Realty, now Berkshire Hathaway. Bernie was known for her loyalty, tireless work-ethic, generosity, compassion, shrewd business sense, and ability to “get it done”. Most of all, though, she was devoted to her family. When asked what meant the most to her, it was always family. She would choose time with them over anything else. Those lucky enough to have been included in that circle, know how lucky they were. She leaves a legacy of a life well lived.

Bernie is survived by her daughter Catherine Clapp Hardman (Lam) of Athens, GA; son John Simpson Clapp (Susan) of Augusta, GA ; brother Cyrus William “Bill” Bazemore, jr. (Louise) of Winston-Salem, NC; brother-in-law John McRary of Huntsville, AL; four grandchildren Catherine Madry Talmadge Hardman, Lamartine Griffin Hardman V, Lillian Hall Clapp, and Ward Simpson Clapp, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Hubert Bruce Clapp, her parents Rev. and Mrs. Cyrus William Bazemore (Lena Bernice), parents in law Dr. And Mrs. Hubert Lee Clapp (Celeste), sister-in-law Carolyn Clapp McCrary oof Huntsville AL/Asheville, NC, and brother-in-law Phillip Lee Clapp of Montgomery, AL.

The family would like to give special thanks to Joanne Appling for the loving care and companionship she provided to Bernie over the last four years.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the fall, in Winston-Salem, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Samaritan’s Purse or a charity of your choosing. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com