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.
11 thoughts on “Durham Pastor Dies Hours After Emotional Facebook Live Sermon Goes Viral”
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My condolences to all that were affiliated with her. May the Lord provide peace and strength to her family and friends and congregation during this difficult period of time. She doesn’t have to run no more. Rest in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sending condolences 🙏🏾 and prayers for her family and the congregation and those touched by her life.
…injected mRNA?…
Prayers and Condolences to the family and friends .
Condolences to the family and friends. Praying for strength for you all at this difficult time.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽FOR THE FAMILY FRIENDS JESUS IS 🔐 RIH EVERLASTING LIFE OUT LORD&SAVIOR JESUS FOREVAAA MORE☦️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💝🌺🌺🌺🌺🌹🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷🌷🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🎈🌷🌷🌷🌹🌷🌷🌺🌷🌺🌷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🥰
My she rest in peace. And continues Prayer for her Family.
I watched her sermon here on FB and it felt as though she was speaking to me. I wish l knew about her before this untimely death. I would have enjoyed her preaching.
My condolences to her family and her church family for this terrible loss
The LORD giveth and THE Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of The Lord. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord! Rest my sister. God need3d you now. 🙏 🙏 🙌 🙌 😇 😇 😇
Rest in His Arms. May God bless the family with love.