Polly Horger Obituary

Polly Jo Horger FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Polly Collins Horger received the most beautiful Mother's Day gift as she peacefully entered into eternal life on May 12, 2024. She was born on March 30, 1935, the daughter of Eva Mae Blanton and Troy Lester Collins, in Mullins, SC, where she was raised on their tobacco farm. She was valedictorian of the Mullins High School class of 1951 and entered Winthrop College at the age of 16. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, she taught school for one year in Lowell, NC. She quickly realized that was not the career for her and moved to the big city of Charleston, SC. She took the civil service exam and began a 10-year career with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. On her future husband's first weekend in medical school, they met on a blind date. They loved to tell the story that after a few dates, she thought he was too smart for her; he appreciated that she had a government job and a car. More dates followed, and Ed Horger proposed on New Year's Eve 1959. They were married at Gapway Baptist Church in Mullins on May 29, 1960. Thus, began a 59-year marriage until Ed's passing on Christmas Day 2019. Those years were filled with raising three kids, playing tennis and bridge together, skiing many mountains and traveling the world. One of Polly's great joys was entertaining the many OB/GYN residents that Ed trained in Charleston and Columbia. Polly began a second career in 1982 as a real estate agent. She enjoyed the many aspects of this career, earning the Million Dollar Sales Award for six consecutive years, until she and Ed moved to Columbia, SC in 1990. During their 16 years in Columbia, Polly was a member and officer of the Wildewood Women's Club, the Carolina Investment Club and the Episcopal Church Women of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. After Ed's retirement, they spent their winters and summers in Vail, CO and their spring and fall on Isle of Palms, SC. Polly was blessed to be active late in life, snow skiing and playing tennis until age 80, the same year she walked the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston with her daughter and two grandchildren. Polly spent the last few years of her life in Fredericksburg, VA where she moved to be closer to her daughter. But her heart always belonged to South Carolina. Polly is survived by her children, Eddie Horger (Shelli) of Wilmington, NC, David Horger (Kristi) of Hartsville and Meggett, SC and Tricia McDaniel (Charles) of Fredericksburg. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved the time she could spend with them: Jordan McDaniel Hinkebein (Chris), Charlie McDaniel (Kacey), Wilson Horger (K.K.), Sutton Horger and Gracie Horger; Collins Hinkebein and William Hinkebein. Polly is also survived by her older brother, Dale Collins of Mullins, who was diligent in checking on his baby sister. A memorial service will be held at Chancellor's Village in Fredericksburg, VA on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Washington Hospice, 2300 Fall Hill Avenue, Suite 401, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or the charity of your choice.