Dodie Osteen, Beloved Matriarch of Lakewood Church, Passes Away at 91
It is with deep sorrow and reverence that we remember Dolores “Dodie” Osteen, who passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on July 31, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family and immersed in the quiet strength of her enduring faith. Her passing was announced by her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, who lovingly described her as the cherished matriarch of Lakewood Church, a spiritual pillar, and a profound inspiration to millions across the globe.
Dodie Osteen’s life was a remarkable journey of grace, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of God’s love. Born in 1934, she dedicated her entire life to serving others, spreading hope, and standing as a living testimony of miraculous healing and divine purpose. Alongside her late husband, John Osteen, she co-founded Lakewood Church in 1959—a modest church in Houston that grew into one of the largest and most influential Christian congregations in the world.
More than her role as co-founder, Dodie was the heart of Lakewood. Her gentle presence, warm encouragement, and fierce devotion to prayer earned her the love and respect of both the church body and the wider Christian community. Through decades of ministry, she comforted the grieving, uplifted the downtrodden, and spoke life into the hearts of countless people who came to her for counsel, prayer, or simply the peace of her presence.
In 1981, Dodie was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and given just weeks to live. Instead of surrendering to fear, she chose faith. She leaned fully into prayer and scripture, believing for healing and standing firm on the promises of God. Her miraculous recovery became a testament of hope for others facing impossible odds, and her bestselling book “Healed of Cancer” became a treasured resource for those walking through dark valleys.
Dodie’s impact extended far beyond the walls of Lakewood Church. Her messages—rooted in compassion, healing, and humility—resonated with millions through books, television, and speaking engagements. In a world often marked by turmoil and uncertainty, she was a steady light, reminding people that God is faithful, that love never fails, and that prayer can move mountains.
Yet, beyond the global reach of her ministry, Dodie’s most profound legacy lies in her role as a mother, grandmother, and woman of quiet power. She raised her children, including Joel Osteen, with a deep foundation of faith, love, and integrity. Her influence is seen not only in Joel’s ministry, which touches lives across continents, but also in the many lives changed by her gentle wisdom and unwavering example.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the beautiful life she lived—a life marked by service, courage, and deep compassion. She touched generations of believers and non-believers alike, not by loud proclamations, but by living what she preached: kindness, faithfulness, and unconditional love.
Tributes have poured in from faith leaders, public figures, and congregants from around the world, all echoing the same message—Dodie Osteen was a woman of God whose life brought light into the world. Her legacy is not only in the sermons she inspired or the prayers she prayed, but in the millions of hearts she helped heal, encourage, and uplift.
The Osteen family has asked for continued prayers and privacy during this time of grief. Memorial arrangements will be announced by Lakewood Church in the coming days, where a celebration of life will surely reflect the deep gratitude and admiration held by all who knew her or were touched by her ministry.
Dodie Osteen’s journey has come full circle, from a young woman of faith to a matriarch whose name became synonymous with healing, love, and endurance. Though she has left this world, her voice, her example, and her spirit will continue to echo through the generations.
May she rest in the eternal peace she so often preached about, and may her life remind us all to live with love, pray with purpose, and walk by faith.