Remembering Dodie Osteen: A Life of Faith, Compassion, and Unwavering Devotion to God
With profound love and deep sorrow, we honor the life and legacy of Dodie Osteen, a woman whose faith, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God touched countless hearts around the world. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary earthly journey, yet her influence will continue to inspire generations to come.
Dodie was more than a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — she was a spiritual matriarch, a prayer warrior, and a living testament to God’s grace. As the co-founder of Lakewood Church alongside her late husband, John Osteen, she helped build what would become one of the largest and most influential ministries in the world. Yet, despite the scope of her impact, Dodie remained remarkably humble, always quick to turn the glory back to God.
Her life was defined by an unshakable faith. In 1981, she faced a life-threatening cancer diagnosis and was told by doctors that her time was short. Refusing to be bound by fear, Dodie clung to God’s promises, immersing herself in prayer, Scripture, and the belief that He still had work for her to do. Her miraculous recovery became a powerful testimony that she shared with millions through her speaking engagements, books, and personal ministry, offering hope to those facing their own battles.
Those who knew her personally remember a woman of extraordinary kindness and empathy. Dodie never rushed past a hurting heart. Whether she was speaking to thousands from a pulpit or quietly praying with an individual after church, she had the rare gift of making each person feel seen, valued, and loved. She was known for sending handwritten notes, making phone calls to pray with strangers, and offering comfort to anyone in need — acts of compassion that rippled across communities and continents.
Her family was the joy of her life. She took immense pride in her children — including her son, Pastor Joel Osteen — and in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often sharing their stories with a radiant smile. No matter how full her schedule, she made time for family gatherings, holiday traditions, and simple moments of togetherness, cherishing the bonds that anchored her life.
Around the world, countless individuals credit Dodie’s faith and encouragement for helping them through seasons of illness, grief, or despair. Her words, steeped in Scripture and spoken with tenderness, reminded people that they were never alone and that God’s love was unending.
In the days following her passing, tributes have poured in from faith leaders, friends, and members of Lakewood Church, each echoing the same truth: Dodie Osteen’s legacy is one of steadfast faith, limitless compassion, and an unwavering commitment to living out the Gospel.
A celebration of her life and ministry will be held at Lakewood Church, where thousands are expected to gather in worship, gratitude, and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to ministries and charitable causes that reflect Dodie’s lifelong mission of sharing God’s love with the world.
Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, Dodie’s influence will live on through the countless lives she touched, the prayers she prayed, and the faith she modeled so beautifully. As one family friend put it, “Dodie didn’t just talk about God’s love — she lived it, every single day.”