Bonnie Mae Irwin

Bonnie Mae Barnett Flair Irwin, died on Sunday January 14, 2024, at the home she lived with her daughter, Rhiannon Flair Smith, son-in-law Keith Smith, and granddaughter, Katie Mae Smith . Bonnie was born March 24, 1951, in Pineville Kentucky to Barbara Jean Hoskins Barnett and George Marshall Barnett. She was delivered at home by her mamaw Hoskins. Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Barbara Jean and George Marshall Barnett, ex-husband Robert “David” Flair, children Henry (2012) and Melanie (2019).  She is survived by daughter Rhiannon Smith, son-in-law Keith Smith, Granddaughters, Katie Mae Smith, Phoenix Michelle Harris, and Kayla Nicole, and Grandson Austin Lee Harris (Brenda) and a great grandchild Aubrey Michelle Harris who just turned 1,  her Sister Margie Sue Barnett and several nieces and nephews on the Flair side.

Bonnie lived in Pineville, Ky with her mamaw and papaw Hoskins until she was about 10.  She then moved to Fairview Tn and was raised by her Uncle Bill and Aunt Jarushah (Jerry) Hoskins.  It was here in Fairview that she met and married her high school sweetheart Robert “David” Flair.  In 1977 she gave birth to a valentine's baby, Rhiannon Desiree Flair (Smith).  Three years later she bore another daughter she named Melanie Renee Flair and then in 1981 she gave birth to her only son Henry Marshall Flair.  She taught her kids to always be polite, and respectful of others and to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. She might not have had much, but she taught to appreciate and make the best of what she did have. 

 After her kids were grown, she and David Flair divorced.  She was then briefly married to Daryl Irwin. She retired from being a line cook after 13 years at the Country Market and Buffet that was once inside Flying J.  Bonnie enjoyed watching her westerns and the "Deadliest Catch" which she called “her crabs”. She loved watching the birds outside in the birdbath and at the feeder. Her favorites being the hummingbird second only to the bluebird. She couldn’t stand the blue Jays though.  She loved to laugh and sing and loved silly jokes. 

Bonnie was a Christian and loved the Lord. She loved her family and was a true friend to those who needed one. Her best friend of many many years is Betty Lynn. Bonnie was a very strong, kind, and sweet person and . She lived a hard life but always hung in like a rusty fishhook as that was one of her favorite sayings. Bonnie is, and will be loved and missed, but will live on in the hearts and minds of her family and her friends. 

A Memorial service date is soon to be announced.