Deborah Lee Pope Horst, 75, of Brandywine passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones at Blue Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
She was born on Dec. 18, 1950, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, to the late Iris L. Pope (Mitchell) and Bobbie L. Pope.
From an early age, Mrs. Horst was known for her determination, kindness and integrity – qualities that remained with her throughout her life.
She graduated in 1968 from Franklin High School and later from Denard’s Beauty College, beginning a life marked by creativity, dedication, and service to others. She was deeply involved in her community, serving as fiscal officer and treasurer of the Fort Seybert Heritage Education Association, an organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of Pendleton County. She was also a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Franklin.
She and her beloved husband, Enos, owned and operated multiple businesses during the years, always with a strong commitment to supporting their community – something that mattered deeply to them both. Together, they established and managed businesses in Brandywine and Franklin, as well as Harrisonburg, Virginia, operating D&E Home Store, which specialized in gifts and collectibles. They also owned and oversaw Lone Pine Lodging, which grew during the years as they purchased, renovated, and offered homes as rentals.
She was an experienced and versatile businesswoman who also worked as a beautician and served as a wedding planner and coordinator. In every role she held, her creativity, attention to detail, and genuine care for others shone through. Anyone who called on her and her husband knew they could count on them for help at any time. Wherever she was, her husband was never far behind; they were truly a match made for one another and shared a deep and abiding love.
Above all else, she was devoted to her family. She especially enjoyed traveling, most notably to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and family.
In her later years, she faced Parkinson’s disease with strength, grace and unwavering determination. She never gave up, always pushing forward and fighting until she could no longer, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Her legacy lives on through her family, her values, her dedication to her community, and the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered for her kindness, her strong work ethic and her unwavering love for all those around her.
On Aug. 6, 1975, she married Enos Heatwole Horst at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enos Horst (Nov. 21, 1943 – March 10, 2025), and her first husband, Luther “Randy” Randolph Thompson (Sept. 19, 1940 – April 13, 1972).
Surviving are a son, Randy Thompson Horst of Bridgewater, Virginia; former daughter-in-law, Terri M. Horst of Penn Laird, Virginia; a stepson, Randall Lynn Horst (Delia) of Grottoes, Virginia; a stepdaughter, Sandra “Sam” Baker of Bridgewater, Virginia; beloved grandchildren, Chloe Horst, who was her caregiver in recent years, Brandon Horst, Becca Horst, Cory Madison and Trip Madison; cherished great-grandchildren, Everly Madison and Margery Madison; and a number of loving nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by brothers, Daniel “Dan” Pope, Richard “Rick” Pope and Randy “Bobby” Pope.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 9 p.m. Friday at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine with Reuben Horst officiating.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
