City Woman Involved in Former Prominent Clarksburg Business, Clara "Bernice" Miniard Conrad, Passes
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on July 11, 2026
Clara "Bernice" Miniard Conrad, 95, of Bridgeport passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the John Manchin Senior Assisted Living in Farmington, WV, after an extended illness with Alzheimer's. She was born in Perry County, Kentucky, on February 2, 1931, the daughter of the late Allison L. and Lucy Clara Rawlings Miniard. Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years in 2023, Robert R. (Bob) Conrad.
Bernice is survived by daughter Deborah Owens of Vienna, WV; daughter Ramona Sheets and husband, Paul, of Clarksburg; four grandchildren, Daniel A. Sheets and wife, Johnna, of Richmond, VA; Lucy Owens McKenzie and husband, Jonathan, of Leesburg, VA; Allison
Sheets Collins and husband, Chad, of Morgantown, WV; Charles Robert Owens of Ashburn, VA; six great grandchildren, Michael McKenzie, Clementine Sheets, Cade Collins, Aubrey Collins, Thomas McKenzie, and Cooper Sheets; nieces and nephews including Dr. Marion Miniard of Lexington, KY; and several cousins.
Sheets Collins and husband, Chad, of Morgantown, WV; Charles Robert Owens of Ashburn, VA; six great grandchildren, Michael McKenzie, Clementine Sheets, Cade Collins, Aubrey Collins, Thomas McKenzie, and Cooper Sheets; nieces and nephews including Dr. Marion Miniard of Lexington, KY; and several cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband Bernice was preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, and sisters, Irene Miniard, Ruth Owen, Clarice Hatcher, and Christine Loudy all of Kentucky.
Bernice was raised in Kentucky, graduated in 1948 from Stuart Robinson Presbyterian School, and attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington. While attending UK she met her future husband, Bob, a West Virginian who was attending UK School of Pharmacy. Her college education was interrupted several times due to family illnesses which required her to manage the family business at home. She and Bob were married on January 26, 1952. After his graduation, the couple moved to Bob's hometown of Clarksburg, WV, where they soon purchased Grand Pharmacy in Clarksburg. Bernice was a wonderful homemaker who loved cooking and baking, and was a talented seamstress. Her family especially enjoyed her roast beef dinners and homemade pies. Her home was always tastefully decorated. Bob and Bernice enjoyed traveling and attending concerts. Spending time on their small farm in Perry County, Kentucky, was one of their favorite things to do. Bernice was a member of the Central Christian Church in Clarksburg for many years where she sang in the chancel choir, taught Sunday school, and participated in the women's group.
The family would like to thank the staff at John Manchin Senior Assisted Living who provided care for Bernice for many years. Also, Dr John Manchin (Doc) for his excellent, personalized care of Bernice and support for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her favorite charity, the Christian Appalachian Project, 485 Ponderosa Drive, Paintsville, KY, 41240, (ChristianApp.org) or the Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. A private family service will be held at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum on Monday, July 13. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
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