Brittney Ann Horst

Brittney Ann Horst, 34, of Lititz, PA a radiant follower of Jesus, and loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, January 26, 2023 after a faith-filled journey with breast cancer. Born in Hartford, CT, the daughter of Rick and Terri Johnston of Lititz, formerly of Simsbury, CT. Brittney adored her husband Benjamin W. Horst and their two children, Naomi (almost 6) and Micah (4). Brittney and Ben celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last August. 

Surviving in addition to Brittney’s husband, children, and parents is her brother, David, husband of Grace Johnston, her Grandmother Betty Hall, as well as Ben's parents Tim and Donna Horst; his brother, Nick husband of Hilary Horst; his sister, Sarah wife of Jordan Miller; his sister, Liz wife of Mark Engle, their six nieces and nephews, and his grandparents Blanche Horst and Clair and Arlene Eberly.

Some knew Brittney as “Mrs. Horst,” an inspiring, compassionate teacher in the School District of Lancaster through 2018, who had a heart for instilling the love of literacy in her students. She brought people in the community together and was always willing to donate her time and resources to many Lancaster organizations, including helping to coach track, implementing a city garden, and volunteering as a Girls on the Run coach/mentor.

In 2019, Brittney turned her focus to homeschooling and nurturing her children’s education and their developing faith. Whether in a classroom or at home, she encouraged everyone to keep reading (or engaging in literacy and education through audiobooks and podcasts), laughing, living a natural lifestyle, and especially to keep seeking Christ above all, even through her trial with cancer. “Britt” will be remembered by her friends for her vast collection of books, countless podcast and reading recommendations, not to mention her library late fees. She graduated from Simsbury High School, CT in 2006, Messiah University, PA in 2010 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and then Millersville University, PA where she received her Master’s Degree in Education. 

Brittney attended Manheim Brethren In Christ Church where she enjoyed serving on the women’s ministry team, being a part of Bible studies, and organizing various events. Most recently, Brittney shared her story this December with a room full of women about what “fills her cup” – to which she shared the hope she finds in the Word of God to get her through her cancer diagnosis, as opposed to hope in the medicine, and her encouragement to others to “outshine the hard things in our lives with the eternal Hope, Jesus”. She invested in others’ faith journeys through teaching children’s Sunday school classes and delighted in discipling her own children. Brittney took on many hobbies and challenges her entire life; recently having the ambition to lead a ministry called “Pray & Play” soccer, despite never formally playing the game! She could make anyone laugh and feel seen and important. When the cancer diagnosis came, Brittney clung to faith in Jesus, sharing her heart on her CaringBridge page (caringbridge.org/visit/brittneyhorst). Through it all, she radiated joy and, despite her suffering, she remained steadfast in our Lord, always giving thanks. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Brittney’s Celebration of Life Service at Manheim Brethren In Christ Church, 54 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2 PM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family immediately following the service.

To continue Brittney’s legacy of always caring for others, those desiring may, in lieu of flowers, send contributions in her memory to either Radiant Hope (hisradianthope.org/donate or checks to 48 Central Blvd, Camp Hill, PA 17011), an organization that sponsored her family during her cancer journey and is using her story as an example of God’s hope, or Thrive and Grit at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (checks payable to LGH Foundation with “Megan’s Fund” in the memo, sent to 2110 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster, PA 17601), a local charity at Brittney’s primary cancer center that supports women under 40 with early detection, resources (including care at the image center, that she utilized), and research.

To send the family on-line condolences or read more of Brittney’s story, please visit her CaringBridge page (caringbridge.org/visit/brittneyhorst)