Mary W. Poarch

Mary W. Poarch of Jarratt, Virginia left a beautiful life that she loved on July 7, 2015. “Mother Mary” to those who knew and loved her, she was beautiful and kind, the most elegant farmer’s wife the world might ever know, possessing all the hope and resilience that life requires, and leaving in the wake of her passing a deep pride and deeper grief at the loss of a life well¬lived. She loved her family fiercely, and taught by example that the toughest, most difficult things in this life require unrelenting, quiet faith that something better is on its way and unapologetic, honest and persistent love for all the best parts. Her devotion showered a thousand blessings on her family. In the last years of her mother’s life, Mary was her mother’s primary caregiver and patient, persistent friend, honoring her mother’s diminishing capacity with increasing love. In her 42¬year marriage to William S. “Billy” Poarch, who survives Mary, she was a perfectly paired partner and a soft spot for him to land. She endured the early mornings and long nights of the farming life without grudges or objections. She was proud of Billy’s laboring life, and knew his heart and mind as intimately and deeply as her own. Together, they raised a son, Joseph W. “Joey” Poarch II, who survives his mother with all of her best gifts: her quiet patience, her wily humor, and a healthy respect for the common things in life. But nothing compares to the pride and joy Mary had at becoming “Nana”, witnessing the birth of Joey’s first child, Zella Kathryn, and spoiling the later¬born¬¬Sidney Wrenn and Bella Luz¬beyond measure, always considerate of each child’s personality and predilections, keeping up carefully with their likes and dislikes, and bestowing on them, in the short time she had to do it, a deep love of the farm and the simple life that she knew and loved. Mary was a family favorite, and mourning her are countless other family and friends who loved her as their dearest aunt, their closest or oldest friend, a familiar and cherished part of her beloved Jarratt community, and now, as a permanent part of their hearts and memories. In addition to her husband, Billy, her son Joey and his wife, Christine, and their children, she leaves behind a sister, Joyce Moore, stepson William S. Poarch, Jr. and his wife, Nancy; granddaughter Erin Pearl, husband, Daryl and great-grandchildren Declan and Isla. Also mourning her passing are brother-in-law, Raymond Poarch, sister-in-law Gaynelle Poarch, countless nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, a host of lifelong friends and her beloved dogs, Maggie and Molly. Family visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 9 at Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 10 at Owen Funeral Home with interment following at High Hills Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Purdy Baptist Church or Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department or to Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad. Online condolences amy be made at www.owenfh.com.