Born Nezbah Gould, her mother was of the Hashtłʼishnii clan, and her father was of the Naashashí Dineʼé.

She was the last surviving member of ten siblings including an adopted sister.

Sherman and her siblings learned to weave as children from her family, who specialized in the craft.

[3] Clara had several children with her husband, John Sherman.

[4] She played the harmonica, and could "keep a melody and bass line going at the same time.