Inez Qualls Passes Away

On the morning of February 14, 2021, Ola Inez Qualls, 94, of Corpus Christi went to be with her Lord. Inez (she really didn’t like to be called Ola) was born in 1926 in Weston, Texas to Tom and Lillian (Pope) Bell and at the tender age of 3 weeks made her trip to Allen, Oklahoma where she was raised. Although born in Texas she always considered herself an Okie to the core.

During her childhood she made many lifelong friends and stayed in touch with them throughout her life. When Inez was 12 she was blessed with the prettiest sister ever, Peggy Sue, who was and continued to be a shining star in her life until the very end.

As a senior in high school in 1944, she married the love of her life, Bill Qualls. As she was fond of saying, it was wartime and you had to get your man while you could. She and Bill ultimately relocated to Corpus Christi in 1954. Inez had a lengthy and fulfilling career with the Tuloso-Midway ISD from 1970 until her retirement in 2001. She was loved by several generations of students, teachers and staff, and as she loved to tell everyone, “I ran that school.” She had a reputation at the school as being super sweet, with a little bit of spice.

She was an avid sports fan, particularly college football, and enjoyed spending her Saturdays in the fall watching her beloved OU Sooners, which lead to some spirited conversations with her UTgraduate son. Although an accomplished napper (she would have medaled in the Napping Olympics), Inez never missed a minute of her Sooner football games. Inez was an exceptional cook. She always looked forward to preparing an extravagant feast at Christmas and her famous banana pudding for the TMHS Seniors at Senior Night. She loved listening to music, particularly country and Christian. She was a long time member of the Tuloso-Midway Baptist Church.

Inez was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her parents, Tom and Lillian.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Danny and Betsy Qualls; grandsons Christopher (Lyndsi) and Eric (Elena); great-grandson Trevor; sister, Peggy Sue Thomas; along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Special thanks to Rick and Sandra Staley who spent decades of Sundays visiting with her and attending to any of her particular needs (including communal napping).

The family wishes to extend our appreciation to Peggy Gaona and the staff at Brookdale Trinity Towers for the care you gave to Inez.

Should friends desire, memorials may be given to the Tuloso-Midway Education Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

A visitation was held Tuesday, February 23 ^rd , at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Services for Inez were private, as the family wished to protect all loved ones during this unprecedented time. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Another angel got her wings; now it’s her time to fly.