Portia Gary Morgan, age 79, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering commitment to her family.

She was born on January 25, 1947, in Limestone, Tennessee, to Lonnie Nix Gary and Lois Holtsinger Gary. From an early age, Portia embodied the values of hard work, kindness, and dedication that would define her life.

Portia spent the majority of her life devoted to her husband and raising and caring for her children—Gary and Layne. Being a wife and mother was her greatest calling, and she took immense pride in creating a warm, loving, and structured home. She never missed her children’s events, always encouraged them to do what was right, and made it clear that family came first. To her children — and later her grandchildren — she was not only a mother, but a best friend.

She was married to the love of her life, Henry Bishop “Buddy” Morgan of Americus, Georgia. Due to Buddy's work, the family moved frequently across many states. After his retirement, they settled in Columbia, South Carolina, a place they had previously called home and where they would remain.

While Portia’s primary role was that of homemaker, she also built a career in banking, real estate, and early childhood education. She intentionally chose positions that allowed her the flexibility to be present for her family — always ensuring she was home when her children were there and working when they were away. She was known for maintaining a clean and welcoming home and for opening her doors to her children’s friends, making everyone feel like family.

In her later years, though mobility became more challenging, her love for spending time with family never wavered. She cherished daily conversations with her grandchildren and found joy in dining out, especially at her favorite local restaurants.

Portia is survived by her loving husband, Henry “Buddy” Morgan; her children, Gary (Beth) Morgan and Layne LaBarge; her grandchildren, Bailey Steppe (Kade), Morgan LaBarge, and Jenna LaBarge; brother, Keith (Bonnie) Gary as well as extended stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Lois Gary, and her son-in-law, Joe LaBarge.

Portia will be remembered for her deep love of family, her strength, her warmth, and her unwavering presence in the lives of those she loved. Her legacy lives on through the countless memories she created and the values she instilled in her family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Cherokee Presbyterian Church, 3622 Augusta Highway, Gilbert, SC 29054. A visitation will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Cherokee Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 359, Gilbert, SC 29054.