Delores “Dodie” Osteen, the matriarch of Lakewood Church in Houston and mother of Pastor Joel Osteen, has died at the age of 91.
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Joel Osteen announced her passing on social media Wednesday night, sharing the family’s statement:
/**/“It is with a heavy heart that Victoria and I, along with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother and grandmother, Dolores ‘Dodie’ Osteen. She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and a faithful servant of God. Known as ‘Mama Dodie’ to the entire Lakewood family, together, we celebrate her amazing life and lasting legacy. She passed of natural causes, peacefully at her home. She was 91 years old.”
Dodie Osteen and her late husband, Pastor John Osteen, founded Lakewood Church in 1959. What began with a small congregation meeting in a converted feed store on the outskirts of Houston grew into one of the world’s largest churches, with weekly services reaching millions through broadcasts around the globe. John Osteen led Lakewood until his passing in 1999, after which their son Joel stepped into the role of senior pastor.
In addition to her role as a church leader and prayer warrior, Dodie was an author whose testimony inspired countless believers. Her 1986 book, Healed of Cancer, chronicled her miraculous recovery from metastatic liver cancer and remains a source of encouragement for Christians worldwide.
Faith leaders remembered Dodie not only as a woman of faith but as a pillar whose life reflected the hope she preached. Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel said, “Praying for Joel Osteen, Victoria Osteen and the entire Osteen family tonight. Dodie Osteen was a great woman of faith who touched lives all over the world. Her love for Jesus and gentle strength led thousands to Christ. She will be greatly missed but her legacy of faith will always continue.”
Pastor John Hagee also honored her legacy, stating, “What John and Dodie Osteen accomplished for the kingdom of God is legendary. From the humble beginnings of a feed store they built a ministry that touched the world. Dodie was an inspiration to all who knew her; she has fought a good fight; she has finished her course. Dodie has stepped into eternity to receive her crown of life that she so richly deserves.”
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Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
During this time, be sure to lift the Osteen family in prayer, asking for God’s comfort, peace and strength as they grieve the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother while celebrating her lasting legacy of faith.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
Loved reading her books and hearing her wonderful testimony. Also enjoyed the ministry of her late husband and her son Joel. All of them have a had an uplifting ministry. Our prayers are with them all.