On May 7, 2026, we were all shocked by the news that our beloved Joni Lamb was promoted to Heaven to be with Jesus and reunite with her late husband and Daystar co-founder, Marcus Lamb. To say that we are all profoundly grief-stricken would be an understatement. It’s hard to even put into words the heartbreak felt in this moment.
Beloved by so many, Joni was known for her unwavering love for the Lord and her fierce commitment to sharing the message of hope found only in Jesus. She was also a staunch defender of freedom, fighting for what she believed was right and standing up to culture, mainstream media, and criticism. She became a voice for the voiceless, from the unborn to the oppressed and downtrodden. Joni loved serving others, and she loved all of you. We know she will be missed by many of you, and we are grateful for all the prayers and support from all of you around the world.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on July 19, 1960, Joni would come to know the Lord at an early age, and throughout her childhood and youth, she faithfully attended Tremont Church of God where she would ultimately meet Marcus Lamb, a bold traveling evangelist.
The two soon wed and entered into ministry. Not long after, while on a trip to Israel, the couple received a mandate from the Holy Spirit that would transform their lives. Daring to do the impossible, they stepped out in faith to start the first Christian television channel in Montgomery, Alabama. That step of faith became the seed that would eventually grow into Daystar Television Network.
For over four decades, Joni Lamb continued walking in faith as she followed the Lord’s guidance. At the behest of Marcus, Joni would join him on set to interview guests. She openly acknowledged her trepidation about taking on that role, but the Holy Spirit told her to go and that He would go with her and tell her what to say. From that moment on, God birthed a gift in her that has led to tackling tough topics, never afraid to take on the issues of the day.
She also loved spending time in the presence of God, especially through worship. Early on, she shared her voice as Marcus preached. This love birthed in her a vision to build a worship ministry team, and the Daystar Singers were born. Seen each week on Daystar’s flagship show Ministry Now, Joni and the Daystar Singers lifted the spirits of viewers and released multiple anointed albums.
Her love of people led to ministry opportunities that impacted so many lives. From restoring homes destroyed by natural disasters, to sponsoring feeding programs that fed hungry families and taking the Gospel into the American prison system, Joni Lamb believed that showing God’s goodness was a powerful witness of the Gospel.
On a personal level, her family and friends knew her as a jokester and full of life and grace. She stood by many during difficult seasons, extended a helping hand where needed, and always said, “Never give up on people.”
As a mother and wife, Joni raised three children who all follow the Lord and helped build a home filled with love and faith. This same love poured into her grandchildren who affectionately called her “Noni.”
Apart from the precious deposit of faith she has left in her family, her greatest legacy will undoubtedly be her desire to give every person the opportunity to know Jesus. This drive has led to countless people giving their lives to the Lord by accepting Him as Savior. Many of you may even be products of that. She knew that the most important decision anyone could make was to follow Jesus. Eternity will most assuredly be a little more crowded because Joni followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to invite everyone she could to surrender their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Even now as our hearts grieve the loss of such an anointed woman of God, we take hold of that legacy and carry it forward into the next generation. Let us live the example of faith that she gave us, strive to reach every life on this earth with the message of the Gospel, worship the Lord without limits, and take hold of every moment God gives us so that we, like Joni, will hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Celebrating the Life of Joni Lamb
If you were unable to join us for the service, we invite you to watch the memorial service below:
