Dolly Whidden Horner

Dolly Whidden Horner, 71, died peacefully, at home on November 30, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family. Through a prolonged illness, she never wavered in her faith, courage, or resolve.

She was born in Richmond, VA on June 4, 1953 to William Kirby Whidden, Jr. and Sally Ann Dunnington Whidden. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Edwin Bryan Horner III. She is also survived by her three children, Sally DuVal Horner James and husband, Trey of Lynchburg, Edwin Bryan Horner IV and wife, Anna of Richmond, and William Whidden Horner and wife, Jessica of Norfolk; five adoring grandchildren, Maren Dunnington Elliott, Campbell Maxwell Horner, Charles Fielding Horner, Mills DuVal Horner, and Katherine Whidden Horner; her sister, Kirby Whidden McElroy and husband, Risden, and their two children, Risden Little McElroy, Jr. and India Dunnington McElroy, all of Charlotte, NC; and her first son-in-law, Matthew Berkley Elliott.

Dolly grew up in Farmville, VA, attended Fairfax Hall Preparatory School, and later graduated from Hollins College, Class of 1975, where she made lifelong memories and friends.

She married Eddie on August 9, 1975, at her family home in Farmville. They raised their family in Lynchburg, VA and cherished their years together on Mirror Lake.

 Always present, always caring, Dolly devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. She was also a loyal friend, willing to do anything to support those she held closest. 

Her children and grandchildren were her life’s work and her greatest source of pride. They will always recall the way she celebrated their birthdays, Christmas and other special events. It brought her so much joy overloading them with gifts and spoiling them with incredible meals, while also finding special ways to convey how deeply she loved each one of them.

She treasured summers on the Cowpasture River at Camp Mont Shenandoah, as a loyal Green Team member and Captain. She was an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard, as well as pool manager at Duck Woods Club in Southern Shores, NC.

She taught countless children and adults how to swim, fostering a love of swimming for so many, including her children. She was a USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Judge for many years, officiating her children’s swim meets while proudly watching them compete.

She was a gifted interior designer, having started her career in Lynchburg, mentored by Katie Mundy at The Columns Interiors. Dolly was artistic, creative, had a keen eye for detail and a true love of art.

Dolly had a passion for the outdoors, and years of beachcombing along the South Carolina coast resulted in a collection of over 1,000 fossilized shark teeth. She and Eddie built a cabin in Montana’s Madison Valley where they spent some of their happiest days together exploring and creating lifelong memories with family and friends. The Madison Valley and the small town of Ennis became engrained in their souls.

She was a selfless and tireless volunteer having served as a member of Hillside Garden Club, The Junior League of Lynchburg, James River Day School Parents’ Association, and E.C. Glass Theater Boosters. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she served as a Preschool Teacher and was Co-Chair of the Flower Guild for many years … she ran a tight ship!

 She was devoted to the Awareness Garden. She served as a member of the Board of Directors from the inception and was Landscape Committee Chair. Her contributions are best reflected on a plaque placed by a bench that was dedicated in her honor by her family and special friends: “Given in honor of Dolly Horner for her unwavering love and devotion to this garden. She has dedicated countless hours to the preservation and enhancement of this special place for the enjoyment of all”.

Dolly was truly one of a kind who spoke her mind directly from her heart. Her passion and devotion to those she loved made her who she was, our Dolls. We will greatly miss our loving “Trailboss”.

Her family members would like to express their profound gratitude to BrightStar Care and Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their tender care of Dolly. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Awareness Garden (P.O. Box 3231, Lynchburg, VA 24503), St. John’s Episcopal Church (205 Elmwood Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503) or New Vistas School (520 Eldon Street, Lynchburg, VA 24501).

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg on Friday, December 13 at 11:00am with the Reverend Chris Rousell officiating. A reception will follow in Magill Hall.