Dodie Osteen, Beloved Mother of Pastor Joel Osteen and Co-Founder of Lakewood Church, Dies at 91
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Dodie Osteen, beloved matriarch of the Osteen family, who died today, July 30, 2025, at the age of 91. Dodie was the devoted wife of the late John Osteen, co‑founder of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and the cherished mother of Joel Osteen, current senior pastor. Her legacy of faith, resilience, and love has inspired millions around the world.
🌸 A Life of Faith, Healing, and Legacy
Born October 22, 1933, Dodie Osteen co‑founded Lakewood Church with her husband, John, on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1959, beginning in what was once a small, abandoned feed store. She became a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith following a near‑death prognosis in 1981, when doctors told her she had just weeks to live due to liver cancer—only for her to experience what many regard as a miraculous healing through persistent prayer and belief.
Throughout her life, Dodie served as a quiet spiritual pillar—praying daily for family, congregation members, and strangers alike. She authored books, led by example in faith, humility, and perseverance, and remained active in ministry well into her 90s.
A Family Guided by Her Strength
As a mother to Joel, Paul, Lisa, Tamara, and April, Dodie was described by her son Joel as the “heart and soul” of their family. Her quiet confidence helped shape his path toward leadership following the passing of John Osteen in 1999. Her influence is woven deeply into the ministry that millions rely on for hope and spiritual encouragement.
A Legacy of Compassion and Hope
Dodie’s legacy extends far beyond her immediate family. Her testimony of healing inspired countless people in the face of adversity and illness. Leaders from across the Christian community—such as Reverend Franklin Graham—have honored her as “a woman of great faith and a true warrior of the gospel” whose life exemplified God’s healing power and grace.
Even after her miraculous recovery, Dodie dedicated herself to prayer ministries, often offering solace and encouragement to those suffering. She embraced her experiences—including overcoming polio in childhood and cancer later in life—as opportunities to demonstrate faith in action.
The Family’s Loss, a Global Farewell
Joel Osteen has publicly shared that her death is “the saddest moment of my life,” expressing deep heartbreak over losing a mother whose wisdom, kindness, and devotion shaped him personally and pastorally. The entire world of Lakewood Church mourns alongside him, honoring Dodie’s decades of service and her powerful spiritual influence.
Honoring Her Memory
As her family and many around the globe grieve this enormous loss, Dodie’s legacy will continue in the ministries she helped build—through Lakewood Church’s outreach, the written testimony she shared, and the countless lives shaped by her example. Plans for memorial services and tributes will be announced by the Osteen family in due time.
Resting in Everlasting Peace
Dolores “Dodie” Pilgrim Osteen lived her 91 years with purpose, prayer, and perseverance. She faced life’s trials with unwavering faith and used her life as a testament to hope. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Her legacy endures—as a mother, a mentor, and a beloved servant of many.
