A Kentucky church community is in mourning after a tragic accident claimed the lives of James and Carolyn Jackson, a couple who had been married for 60 years and faithfully attended First Corinthian Baptist Church in Frankfort for over five decades.

The couple was on their way to Sunday morning worship when the church bus they were riding in veered off the road and struck a telephone pole around 11 a.m., just as the service was about to begin. James, 81, and Carolyn, 76, were the only passengers on board, along with the driver, who was hospitalized with injuries. His identity has not been released.

Pastor Leslie Whitlock, who leads the congregation, described the Jacksons as cherished pillars of the church and personal friends. “Well, I’ve known this couple for many years. We’re a close-knit family church,” he told The Christian Post. “We grieve, but not like those that have no hope. We grieve because I miss them, and I love them.”

Whitlock expressed confidence in the couple’s eternal destiny, saying, “I know that she’s a Christian, and I know she’s gone to be with the Lord. That’s our hope. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Even Jesus wept over Lazarus.”

Carolyn Jackson was remembered as a woman who wore many hats in the church—youth leader, usher, beautification specialist, and faithful servant who always made sure the sanctuary was decorated for special events like Easter and church anniversaries. Her husband, James, sang in the choir and was equally devoted to the life of the church.

“They were like brother and sister to me,” Whitlock said. “They were the kind of people who lived out their faith in everything they did.”

The Franklin Baptist Association quickly called on the wider Christian community to pray for First Corinthian Baptist Church and the Jackson family.

The organization wrote on Facebook, “Pray for the comfort, guidance, and leading of the Holy Spirit. Pray for Pastor Whitlock as he ministers to a grieving congregation. Our hearts go out to them.”

Carolyn’s sister, Sharon Johnson, shared her heartbreak in a brief statement: “My family. We still in shock. Still grieving.”

The Jacksons leave behind a large and loving family, including four children, multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—many of whom grew up watching their unwavering example of faith and love in action.

In the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Pastor Whitlock reminded his church that while they mourn, they do not do so as those without hope. “As a human being, yes, I’ll weep like others weep. And mourn with others,” he said. “But we know where they are.”