Hazel Inez Speaks Poole, 88, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Friday, January 24, 2020, surrounded by family and friends at the Gordon Hospice House.

Inez was born December 24, 1931, in Iredell County and was the daughter of the late Zeb Speaks and Daisy Williams Speaks. She was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and worked in textiles for before retiring to care for her mother. Inez loved her family and looked forward to yearly beach trips with them. She enjoyed playing bingo, bowling, and decorating for the holidays.

She is survived by two sons, Gene Edwards (Denise) of Statesville and Wayne Edwards of Statesville; one daughter, Darlene Brown (Junior) of Statesville; six grandchildren, Brandy Edwards Best, Josh Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Jamie Hornsby (Scott), Victoria Edwards, and Amy Brown Anderson (Rhyne); five great grandchildren, Antonia Best, Connor Parish, Olivia Helen Gwyn Edwards, Ty Anderson, and Templeton Anderson. She is further survived by her former husband and father of her children, Sherrill Edwards of Statesville; one sister, Ruth Waugh of Troutman; several nieces and nephews; and close friend, Teresa Barnette of Statesville.

Inez was greeted at the gates by her parents; two brothers, Jerry Speaks and Gary Speaks; daughter-in-law, Helen Edwards; special friend James Burchette; and her two favorite four-legged friends, Pepper and Princess.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Troutman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Josh Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Rhyne Anderson, Keith Waugh, Ed Krider, and Ricky Harris. Great grandsons Connor Parish and Ty Anderson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Inez Poole.