Margaret Cabell Matthews Poarch

Margaret Cabell Poarch (née Matthews) passed away on January 12, 2026 in Corpus Christi, TX, at the age of 92. Margaret was born on August 9, 1933 in Charlottesville, Virginia to Patrick Cabell Matthews and Anne Seddon Rutherfoord Johnson Matthews. She was primarily raised by her grandmothers, Grace Booker Johnson in Charlottesville, VA, and Margaret Etta Cabell Matthews at Inglewood, Nelson County, VA. As a child, she attended St. Anne’s school in Charlottesville. She was one of two women allowed to attend the University of Virginia in 1951, where she met her husband, Bill. They married in 1957 and had five children. As a Navy officer’s wife for 23 years, she lived in many places, including Spain, Morocco, and Turkey–a country she loved dearly. She fell in love with traveling during this time. Later, she studied at the University of Maryland, Phillips College, where she received her associate degree in data processing, and at Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, where she earned an associate degree in applied science. At 55, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she walked the graduation stage with her son. Upon graduation, Margaret substitute taught in local schools until moving to Japan to teach English, where she fostered friendships with many of her students. She eventually settled in Corpus Christi to be near family. Margaret was a fast and avid reader who authored both novels and poetry. She was a constant researcher, diving deep into topics she came across in her reading, including quantum physics, Renaissance philosophers and Egyptology. Quick-witted and always ready with a kind compliment, Margaret also had a green thumb. She grew avocado and lemon trees wherever she lived. Later in life, she volunteered at her local hospital, Bay Area Medical Center, for hundreds of hours. She often painted and she loved the color blue and the moon and stars. Margaret is survived by the father of her children, Commander William "Bill" (Liz) Poarch, U.S. Navy (Ret.); her five children–Jordan (Lonnie) Schwirtlich, Julie (John) Macholz, Caroline Sieber (Mike Adornetto), Scott (Keiko) Poarch, and Rachel (Frank) Howard; and her nine grandchildren–Hillary, Wren, Andrew, Seddon, Teresa, Kai, Sara, Keita, and Henry, to whom she was known as Grandmommy. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Margaret’s celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Reading Is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/ and CASA CASA of the Coastal Bend