In Loving Memory of Dodie Osteen
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. Known not only as the beloved mother of Lakewood Church’s senior pastor, Joel Osteen, but also as a spiritual matriarch and prayer warrior to many, Dodie’s life was a living testament to the power of grace, perseverance, and unconditional love.
Born with a tender heart and a calling to serve, Dodie dedicated her life to uplifting others, both through her family’s ministry and her personal acts of kindness. Alongside her late husband, Pastor John Osteen, she helped found Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, in 1959 — a small congregation that grew into one of the largest and most influential churches in the world. Though her role in the spotlight was humble, her influence was profound, shaping the heart of the ministry with her quiet strength, gentle guidance, and unwavering faith.
Dodie’s personal journey of faith became an inspiration to millions. In 1981, she was diagnosed with cancer and given only weeks to live. Through steadfast prayer, an unshakeable belief in God’s promises, and the support of her family and church, she overcame the illness — a miraculous healing she would share with others for the rest of her life. Her testimony, shared in her book Healed of Cancer, offered hope to those facing seemingly impossible battles, reminding them that God’s power and love have no limits.
To those who knew her personally, Dodie was far more than an inspirational figure — she was a friend, a mother, a grandmother, and a source of comfort in times of need. Her life was marked by small, daily acts of compassion: sending handwritten notes to those who were sick or hurting, praying individually for hundreds of people each week, and extending kindness to strangers without hesitation. Her warm smile, gentle voice, and genuine interest in others made every person feel seen and valued.
Dodie’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to her children — Joel, Paul, Lisa, and April — and a proud grandmother who treasured every moment with her loved ones. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and a spirit of hospitality that reflected her deep-rooted belief in the importance of family and faith.
As we celebrate her extraordinary life, we also acknowledge the deep sense of loss felt by her church family, friends, and the countless people across the globe who were touched by her example. Dodie Osteen’s legacy is one of faith in action — a life lived in service to God and others, with humility, gratitude, and boundless love.
A memorial service celebrating Dodie’s life will be held at Lakewood Church, where generations of worshippers have been blessed by her prayers, encouragement, and wisdom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to ministries and charitable causes that reflect Dodie’s lifelong commitment to spreading hope, faith, and compassion.
Rest peacefully, Dodie. Your light will continue to shine in the lives you have touched, and your legacy of faith will inspire generations to come. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith — and now you are home.
