Corky H. Irwin, age 80 of New Orleans, passed away October 19, 2020. Corky was born March 10, 1940 to parents Tull Hays Irwin and June Juanita Mangum in Bay City, Texas.
After graduating from high school in Texas City, Texas she attended and graduated from Wharton County Junior College with a degree in Business Administration. Following her graduation she owned and operated a Dairy Mart Drive-In in Texas City. After she sold her business, she moved to New Orleans in the mid-1960s. She began work with Karno Enterprises in the French Quarter in various capacities of bar, night club and restaurant management. She owned and operated Follies Bergere night club on Bourbon Street for several years then returned to Karno Enterprises. Because of health issues she retired in 2018.
Corky was one of the early members of the Krewe of Amon Ra, a New Orleans carnival organization, and reigned as their Queen one year. Corky was always the life of the party, enjoyed hosting events, and seldom avoided any opportunity to enjoy lively entertainment and travel with friends and family.
Corky is predeceased by her parents and her sisters Betty Jean and Joan Marie. She is survived by her brother Dr. Clarence Feagin of Corpus Christi, Texas; her beloved niece Tami Williams Lang (Michael) of San Diego California who she lovingly referred to as her daughter; brother-in-law Al Newman of Kentwood, Louisiana; special loved ones Michael Edwards and John Wilson of Covington, Louisiana; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
The family acknowledges with appreciation St. Tammany Health System Hospice for their care over the past months.
No services are planned. Tharp Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donations in memory of Corky can be made to Transgender Law Center https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate.