Deborah Lee Pope Horst, 75, of Brandywine, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones, at Blue Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

She was born on December 18, 1950, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, to Iris L. Pope (Mitchell) and Bobbie L. Pope. From an early age, Debbie was known for her determination, kindness and integrity – qualities that remained with her throughout her life.

Debbie graduated from Franklin High School in 1968 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, West Virginia.

Debbie and her beloved husband, Enos, owned and operated multiple businesses over 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, West Virginia, 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 over the years as they purchased, renovated, and offered homes as rentals.

Debbie 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 Debbie or Enos knew they could count on them for help at any time.  Wherever Debbie was, Enos was never far behind; they were truly a match made for one another and shared a deep and abiding love.

Above all else, Debbie was devoted to her family.  She married Enos Heatwole Horst on August 6, 1975, at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  She especially enjoyed traveling – most notably to Gatlinburg, Tennessee – and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and family.

In her later years, Debbie 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.

Debbie is survived by –

Her son –

Randy Thompson Horst of Bridgewater, VA

Former daughter-in-law –

Terri M. Horst of Penn Laird, VA

Stepson –

Randall Lynn Horst (Delia) of Grottoes, VA

Stepdaughter –

Sandra "Sam" Baker of Bridgewater, VA

Her beloved grandchildren –

Chloe Horst, who was her caregiver in recent years

Brandon Horst

Becca Horst

Cory Madison

Trip Madison

Her cherished great-grandchildren –

Everly Madison and Margery Madison

And a number of loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enos Horst (November 21, 1943 -March 10, 2025); her first husband, Luther "Randy" Randolph Thompson (Sept. 19, 1940 – April 13, 1972), and her brothers, Daniel "Dan" Pope, Richard "Rick" Pope and Randy "Bobby" Pope.

Debbie's 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.

Debbie's family will receive friends from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Friday, January 16 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 17 at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine with Reuben Horst officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.