Funeral services for Mrs. Inez O’Neal Edwards, of Dublin, Georgia, will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 1 PM, at the Williams Chapel Baptist, 1142 South Highway 29 in East Dublin. The interment will follow in the Dudley Memorial Cemetery.

Inez O’Neal was born on Thursday, June 28, 1928, in the emerald city of Dublin, Georgia. She was the third of five siblings born to the late Deacon Denson and late Mother Linnie Mae Kemp O’Neal. For her formal education, she graduated with the third highest honor from Washington Street High School. She furthered her education for one year at Paine College (Augusta State University) to become an interior designer. However, she decided to return to Dublin and work to assist her parents with their financial needs. Inez was a member of the Zion Hope Church of God in Christ, which was established in her parents’ home. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, and worked faithfully as a junior usher, youth choir member, and pianist.

As she continued her Christian walk, she desired to marry a preacher so she could work beside him in building God’s Kingdom. At the age of 18, she met the love of her life, Minister Ira Edwards. Later on, he became an Elder and pastor of the Rangers Grove & Jordan Grove Churches of God in Christ. On August 4, 1951, they united in marriage in her parents’ home and were married for 69 years.

Mother Edwards was a servant leader who served faithfully in many capacities over the years to assist her husband in the ministry. She was appointed Dublin District Missionary for the Women’s Department in 1984 -2009. Under her leadership, she re-established the following auxiliaries within the local churches: Pastors’ & Ministers’ Wives Circle, Sewing Circle, Sunshine Band & Purity youth classes, Bible Band, and the Dublin District Talent Program. Also, she was instrumental in establishing Tuesday morning prayers for both churches. She spent countless hours visiting the elderly, counseling young adults, and teaching young women how to love their husbands. On the jurisdictional level, she was appointed to serve on the Executive Board for the Women’s Dept. of the Northern Georgia Second Ecclesiastes, Fine Arts-Prayer Warriors’ Seminar Leader. Mother Edwards, along with her husband, remained a guiding force and an example to other married couples. With the help of her husband, they loved their children and taught them strong Christian values and placed a priority on them earning their education in various fields. She served as the PTO president for numerous years while her children attended school and was well-known in her community to lend a helping hand, share a meal, and provide clothes for the needy. She was employed as the Family Planning Coordinator for the Dublin-Laurens County Health Department for 23 years before her retirement.

She transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, surrounded by family members. Mother Inez Edwards was preceded in death by her late husband, Supt. Ira Edwards, Sr, her son, Alonzo Deron Edwards, and all of her siblings, Denson O’Neal, Jr., Gladys O. Carswell, James “Lindberg” O’Neal, and Grace McCloud.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her beloved seven children, Evang. Elect Lady Sharon (Elder Andrew) Blackwell of Dumphries, Virginia, Missionary Patricia Edwards of Dublin, Elder Donald (Tina) Atlanta, of Conyers; Bro. Stevie (Brenda) Edwards of Macon, Missionary Dr. Diann (Dec. Ron) Fye of Dublin/Port. St. Lucie, Florda, Elder Ira Edwards, Jr. (Teresa) Edwards, of Athens, and Bro. Anthony (Evang. Debbie) Edwards of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and daughter-in-love, Carol B. Edwards; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-love Helen Edwards, Daytona Beach, Florida; special caregivers, Linda Dassie, Mary Walker, Mary McGirt, Geraldine James, and Annie Johnson, Dublin Trails Nursing Home, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and dear friends.

The life and legacy of Mother Edwards will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. In addition to flowers, contributions can be given in honor of the late Supt. Ira & Mother Inez Edwards Scholarship Fund for local high school students. You may mail contributions to Stevie Edwards, Post Office Box 26982, Macon, Georgia 31221.

Please post online condolences at ServicesbyDudley.com. The family will receive friends at 202 Huntington Drive in Dublin, and at 908 Robinhood Road in Dublin. 

Services by Dudley Funeral Home of Dublin