Dolores “Dodie” Osteen, co-founder of Lakewood Church and mother of Pastor Joel Osteen, has died at the age of 91. Her death was announced by Joel Osteen in a heartfelt message posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. According to reports, she passed away of natural causes.
In his message, Joel Osteen wrote, “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.” He described her as someone who deeply influenced their lives with her faith, strength, and unconditional love.
Dodie Osteen was widely known and respected within the Christian community for her quiet but powerful influence. Alongside her late husband, John Osteen, she helped found Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, in 1959. The church began as a small gathering but has since grown into one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States, currently led by her son Joel.
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Even after John Osteen passed away in 1999, Dodie remained an active and encouraging presence at Lakewood Church. She often shared her personal testimony of overcoming cancer and ministered to many dealing with illness and grief.
Her legacy is one of faith, kindness, and resilience. She will be remembered not only for her leadership at Lakewood Church but also for the comfort and hope she brought to thousands of people over the decades
Tributes have poured in from around the world following the death of Dodie Osteen. One notable tribute came from former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. In a statement released Thursday night, he expressed his sorrow over her passing and praised her as a remarkable woman of faith.
Jonathan highlighted that Dodie Osteen’s life was marked by spiritual strength and resilience. He noted that her legacy would live on through the continuing influence of Lakewood Church and the countless individuals she helped during her lifetime. He also emphasized that her story served as an inspiration to many across the globe.
Many others within the Christian and wider community have echoed similar sentiments, remembering her as a compassionate and encouraging figure. Known affectionately as “Mama Dodie,” she often greeted church members with warmth and took time to pray personally with those in need. Her life was one of service, both to her faith and to the people who came through Lakewood’s doors.
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Over the years, she also became known for her testimony of surviving liver cancer, a story she shared often to encourage others facing health struggles. Her book, Healed of Cancer, became a source of comfort and hope for many dealing with illness.
As news of her death spread, many online users shared personal stories and photos with Dodie, thanking her for her words, prayers, and kindness over the decades.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Lakewood Church, but her legacy continues through her family, her ministry, and the millions of lives she influenced through faith, compassion, and perseverance
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