North Carolina Pastor Dies Hours After Facebook Live Thursday night in Durham, leaving her congregation stunned after delivering a sermon titled “Emotions vs. Maturity.”
DURHAM, N.C. — A North Carolina pastor is being remembered as a powerful woman of faith after she unexpectedly passed away just hours after going live on Facebook to preach the Gospel.
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Apostle Janice F. Thomas delivered what would become her final sermon — a Facebook Live message titled “Emotions vs. Maturity”, referencing Matthew 4:1–11 and the theme of “Transparency.”
The livestream began at 7:00 p.m.
Hours later, she was gone.
At this time, the cause of her death has not been publicly released.
Thomas served as pastor of His Kingdom Ministries, which holds services at the Hilton Durham near Duke University located at 3800 Hillsborough Road in Durham.
An obituary confirmed that she “departed her earthly life” on February 19, 2026.
The following day, her church formally announced her passing in an emotional statement honoring her legacy.
“A BEACON OF HOPE”
In a public post, the church described Apostle Thomas as:
“A devoted servant of God whose faith, leadership, and unwavering commitment to ministry touched countless lives.”
They continued, calling her:
“A beacon of hope, wisdom, and spiritual strength within the community.”
Church leaders emphasized that through prayer, teaching, and compassionate outreach, she inspired many to walk boldly in faith and purpose.
Though her transition came suddenly, supporters say her impact will live on in the countless lives she mentored, loved, and guided.
News of her sudden death has left many in Durham shocked — especially those who watched her preach just hours before her passing.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE DETAILS
A public celebration of life will be held on:
Saturday, February 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. (Celebration)
1:00 p.m. (Funeral Service)
Location: The River Church
4425 Ben Franklin Blvd.
Durham, North Carolina
Church leaders are asking the community to keep Apostle Thomas’ family and congregation in prayer during this difficult time.
