Virginia "Jenny" Elgia Harner's Obituary
Virginia “Jenny” Elgia Harner, 91, of Fredericksburg, VA, and formerly a long-time resident of Hagerstown and Frederick County, MD, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026.
Born on May 22, 1934, in Lewistown, Maryland, Jenny was the daughter of the late Austin Franklin Whipp and Mamie (Kauffman) Whipp. She was named in honor of her paternal grandmother, Elgia (Rice) Whipp, a namesake that linked her to generations of Maryland history. Raised in Lewistown, she carried the resilience and hardworking values of her farm-country upbringing throughout her life.
Jenny’s working years were defined by her industrious spirit and her love for people. In her early career, she worked at Sagner’s in Frederick, contributing her skills to the tailoring and garment industry. She later transitioned into retail at Zayre before spending the remainder of her working years in the restaurant industry.
Though she primarily worked the counter and back-of-the-house roles, Jenny’s personality was felt by everyone. She truly "never met a stranger," and her gift for connection meant that former coworkers and customers alike would always have a laugh and a fond memory to share whenever their paths crossed.
In 1975, Jenny and her beloved husband, William "Bill" Harner, moved to Hagerstown, where they built a life and home for over thirty years. Following Bill’s passing in 2005, Jenny remained on their property for many years, a testament to her independence, before eventually downsizing and returning to Frederick.
Away from work, Jenny was a devoted Baltimore Orioles fan—if a game was on the radio or TV, she was tuned in. She found great joy in the friendly competition of card games and dominoes, but her greatest joy was always the time spent with her family.
To those who knew her best, Jenny will be remembered for her impeccable sense of style and her signature Saturday ritual. A lady of true habit, she made sure her hair was perfectly washed and set at the salon every Saturday morning—a commitment to her appearance that became a fond and humorous hallmark of her personality.
Jenny was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Harner; and her sister, Frances Whetzel.
Her legacy of love is carried on by her daughter, Cindy Foster; her grandson, David Willard and his wife, Judy; and her three great-grandchildren, Maddy, Sophie, and Christian.
She is also survived by her sister, Margaret and her husband Mickey Crouse; and her brother, Charles Whipp.
Jenny will be remembered for her steadfast spirit, her easy laugh, and the deep Maryland roots that shaped her. She leaves behind a family that will miss her dearly and a legacy of kindness that turned every acquaintance into a friend.
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