Margie W. Hodgin

COLUMBIA—Margie Wagner Hodgin died May 23, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. She was 93 and at peace with the world. Mrs. Hodgin was the daughter of Lawrence Avon Wagner, and Sadie Dantzler Wagner of High Point, N.C. Born March 16, 1924, she was the fourth oldest of six children. Her brothers, William F. Wagner,Lawrence D. Wagner and Harry Wade Wagner, and sisters, Dorothy Elizabeth Wagner “Lib” Quick and Marie Wagner Carroll, preceded her in death. When she was 15, Mrs. Hodgin encountered 17-year-old Lawrence G. Hodgin at a drugstore soda fountain. She went home and told her mother she had met the man she would marry. Seven years later, after her graduation from Furman University, and the end of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, the couple wed. Children were a major part of Mrs. Hodgin’s life. She and Larry raised four sons: Lawrence Gary Hodgin, Richard Avon Hodgin, Douglas Lee Hodgin, and William Scott Hodgin. Mrs. Hodgin, who did post-graduate work at the University of North Carolina and the University of Michigan, spent her professional life in adoption services, retiring in 1989 as director of the adoption division in the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The family lived in Greenville, S.C., until 1967, when they moved to Columbia. Mrs. Hodgin was an active member of Ashland United Methodist Church. She was an avid fan of the Carolina Gamecocks and the Atlanta Braves. She was a connoisseur of sweets, and enjoyed a weekly bridge game. Her holiday meals were legendary. Mrs. Hodgin had a passion for travel. Upon retiring, she created a learning opportunity by volunteering at a travel agency. Until Larry became ill in 2007, she was always planning her next trip with him, her sisters, or her grandchildren. By the time Larry died, she had visited all 50 states, and boasted many passport stamps from Europe and Asia. Mrs. Hodgin is survived by her sons, each of whom believes he was her favorite; daughters-in-law Dr. Linda Hodgin, Charity L. Hodgin and Mary Hodgin; grandsons John (and wife Betsy), Mike (and wife Phoebe), Greg and Sam; granddaughters Gretchen, Amy and Stella; and great-granddaughters Maddie and Taylor. The family will receive visitors from 6:00- 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 26 2017, at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 27th, 2017 at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Rd. Columbia, SC, and a private graveside service for family members afterwards. Contributions may be made to Ashland United Methodist Church Music Fund, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210.