Lakewood Church today announced that Dolores "Dodie" Osteen, beloved co-founder of the Houston-based megachurch and mother of Pastor Joel Osteen, passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 91.
Affectionately known as "Mama Dodie," she co-founded Lakewood Church with her husband, the late Pastor John Osteen, in 1959. Over the decades, she became a spiritual matriarch to the congregation, known for her compassion, vibrant faith, and tireless support of the church's ministries. Under their leadership, Lakewood grew from a small congregation to one of the largest and most influential churches in the world.
In 1981, Dodie was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer and given only weeks to live. Through unwavering faith and prayer, she experienced a remarkable healing that she credited as a miracle from God. This testimony became a cornerstone of her ministry, inspiring countless believers worldwide and shared through her bestselling book, Healed of Cancer. Dodie continued to minister personally to thousands of individuals facing illness, leading prayer services and initiating Lakewood's well-known healing outreaches.
"My mother was the heart of our family and the heartbeat of Lakewood Church," said Pastor Joel Osteen. "Her life was a shining example of faith, love, and resilience. Even in the face of impossible odds, she never wavered in her trust in God. Her legacy will live on in every life she touched."
Throughout her life, Dodie authored several devotionals, including Choosing Life: One Day at a Time, and continued to encourage others through her writing, speaking, and personal ministry. Her gentle spirit, combined with her unwavering belief in God's healing power, left an indelible mark on the global Christian community.
Lakewood Church will hold a celebration of life service in the coming days to honor Mama Dodie's extraordinary life and ministry. Details will be shared on the church's website and social media platforms.
