Inez Wheeler Coombs, 92, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023. She was born in Duplin County on December 18, 1930, the seventh of nine children of Preston F. and Mollie Rivenbark Wheeler. For 56 years she was devoted to and loved by her late husband, Pompey A. Coombs, Sr. She raised three children, Lynda (Neal) Padgett of Burgaw, Donna (Bill, deceased) Robinson of Ernul and P.A. “Toby” (Frances) Coombs, Jr. of Kinston.

Her great joy was her role of grandmother to Christa (Don) Thomas of Holly Ridge and with whom she shared a birthday and who first called her grandmother “Gabby”, Adam (Beth) Padgett of Newport and Claire (Johnny) Isenberg of Kinston; great grandchildren James Goodson, Paul, Luke and Abigail Padgett, Grace, Hunter and Elizabeth Isenberg. She continued to be called “Gabby” by all her grandchildren, great- grandchildren, as well as many family and friends.

With a heart full of love, she spent 20 years teaching the mentally challenged at Caswell Center. After moving to Pender County in 2020, she regularly attended Haws Run Primitive Baptist Church in Onslow County. This church home meant so much to her and she was especially proud to know and love as family, Elder Kenny McNeil and his dear wife, Rose.

Services will be Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Kinston, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Elder Kenny McNeil will officiate. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston, NC.

The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to the entire staff of Stonebridge Memory Care of Hampstead for their compassion, understanding and willingness to help mother and us through this time.

Mother was a faithful contributor for decades to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 601 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 28105. In lieu of flowers, contributions to this wonderful cause would be greatly appreciated.

And, finally, thank you to Howard-Carter Staff for all you have done to help us along the way.