Barbara Elaine Haire

Barbara Elaine Gish Haire, 77 of Reed, KY, passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on April 2, 1946 in Henderson, KY and was the daughter of James Owen and Mary Rose Gish.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Donald “Donnie” Haire, Sr.

Barbara is survived by her husband, David Higdon. She is also survived by the following loved ones: her brother, James Owen Gish Jr; her children, Natalie (Glenn) Miller, Trinity (Terry) Merritt, Don (Jena) Haire, David (Terry) Haire, and Brandon Hidgon; and her grandchildren, David Haire Jr, Amanda (Justin) Johnson, Graham Merritt, Caleb (Britney) Merritt, Holland (Jeremy) Haire, Micah (Brittany) Haire, Mary Frances (James) McSweeney, Madison Haire, Katie (Andrew) Reising, and Annie Beth Miller. She was loved by many great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Barbara was a lifetime member of Mt Zion General Baptist Church where she served as the church pianist. She spent her life in service to the youth of her church community. Barbara was the matriarch of the Southern Gospel singing group, The Haire Family, who traveled the country sharing the gospel.

Visitation is at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson, KY on Wednesday, May 17 from 3-7 PM and continues on Thursday at 9 AM until service time at 11.

Burial will follow service at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Reed.