Dolores “Dodie” Osteen, age 91, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home. The news was confirmed by her son, Pastor Joel Osteen, via a social media announcement on July 31, 2025. She was widely regarded as the spiritual matriarch of Lakewood Church and beloved by millions worldwide Reddit+15Houston Chronicle+15www.christiantoday.com+15.
Dodie was co-founder of Lakewood Church with her husband, John Osteen, in 1959 in Houston and played a vital role in its growth over six decades Wikipedia+2ALL PASTORS+2newsstation2+2. Known affectionately as “Mama Dodie,” she led prayer ministries, conducted funerals, and shared her powerful testimony of surviving metastatic liver cancer through faith and prayer ALL PASTORS+9www.christiantoday.com+9Houston Chronicle+9.
Her autobiography, If My Heart Could Talk, and her earlier book Healed of Cancer outlined her journey and belief in miracle healing, influencing the global Christian community Wikipedia+10www.christiantoday.com+10Facts Buddy+10.
She was survived by her five children—including Pastor Joel Osteen—many grandchildren, and a legacy of faith, hope, and healing that continues to inspire ALL PASTORS+5Houston Chronicle+5Facts Buddy+5.
❤️ Legacy & Impact
-
Matriarch of Lakewood Church: Co-led and shaped one of the world’s largest megachurches since its inception Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15www.christiantoday.com+15.
-
Trailblazing faith leader: Continued active ministry through prayer services and bedside ministry well into her 90s KPRCHouston Chronicle.
-
Living testimony: Her resilience after cancer and her drive‑by healing services became a hallmark story among believers www.christiantoday.com+1Houston Chronicle+1.
Leave a Reply