Lexie Golden

Lexie Lou Golden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, entered into the presence of her Savior on March 15, 2026, on her 82nd birthday.

 Lexie was born March 15, 1944, in Mount Vernon, Texas, to Luther Lex Johnson and Bethel Obie Johnson. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Dallas, Texas, where she attended school and graduated from Kimball High School.

 On July 20, 1962, she married the love of her life, Pastor Douglas Golden. The two first met as children, at the Oak Cliff Church of God in Dallas, Texas. Their marriage became a lifelong partnership of faith, family, and ministry, that spanned more than six decades. Their first daughter, Lisa, was born in 1963, and later, while serving in pastoral ministry in Joliet, Illinois, their children David and Anna were born. 

In her early years, Lexie worked in downtown Dallas as a secretary and administrative assistant, where she was known for her diligence, organizational skills and professionalism. She was highly respected and became a very successful and trusted executive secretary. One of the highlights of her professional life, was serving in the early ministry efforts, of The 700 Club. She worked alongside Pat Robertson and Ben Kinchlow, during the beginning, when it operated in Dallas.

 Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, Lexie and Douglas were deeply involved in the Oak Cliff Church of God in Dallas, where they faithfully served for many hours each week. Lexie led the church’s girls clubs ministry and, together with her friend Elaine Ezell, developed and wrote curriculum, to disciple and teach young girls in the faith. Her heart for mentoring and nurturing the next generation of Christian women, was evident, even in those early years of ministry.

 Lexie was also known as the church’s unofficial wedding planner. Throughout her ministry, she was the person everyone turned to for help, for planning and coordinating weddings, offering guidance, and organization. She offered encouragement to countless couples, on one of the most important days of their lives.

Lexie’s life of ministry deepened, when her husband answered the call to pastoral ministry. The family moved from Dallas to Cleveland, Tennessee, where Pastor Golden pursued a Master’s Degree in theology. During that time, Lexie faithfully served alongside him in the church, and supported the work of ministry. 

In 1977, Douglas and Lexie Golden were called to pastor the Joliet Church of God, “Hope for All”, in Joliet, Illinois, a congregation they have faithfully served for 48 years. Lexie became known as the heart of the church family—welcoming people with warmth, organizing ministries, and creating a spirit of hospitality, that touched countless lives. She served in children’s and women’s ministries, and helped coordinate many aspects of church life, while supporting her husband’s pastoral leadership.

 Her home was always open. Over the years, she welcomed countless evangelists, missionaries, ministers, and guests, into her home, offering meals, encouragement, and fellowship. She was a strong supporter of world missions, throughout her life, and believed deeply in the church’s call, to reach the nations with the gospel.

 Lexie was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. She firmly believed in the power of prayer and the Word of God. Every day, she read from the One-Year Bible and taught her children and grandchildren to treasure Scripture, in their hearts. She faithfully confessed God’s promises over her family and encouraged many others to do the same. 

She was a devoted homemaker who loved caring for her family. Her home was known for its warmth, hospitality, and the meals she lovingly prepared. She was a patient listener, a source of encouragement, and a steady example of Christian faith, to all who knew her. 

Lexie was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Lex Johnson and Bethel Obie Johnson; several beloved aunts; her sister, Ruth Ann Higgins; and her son, Douglas Malone Golden, Jr. 

She is survived by her beloved husband, Pastor Douglas Golden; her children Lisa (Dean) Cavins, David (Zoe) Golden, and Anna Jane Golden. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kristin Cavins, Carabeth (Ben) Rahtjen, Micaela (Demacio) Gaskin, Rebekah Paige Menietti, Caleb Menietti, Aidan Menietti, Rebeca “Becky” Golden, and Hannah Lou Golden; and her great-grandchildren Isabella Rahtjen, Chandler Rahtjen, Finnegan Rahtjen, Malcolm Menietti, and Ahsana René Gaskin. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Herschel Higgins; her nephews Greg Higgins and Luke (Amy) Higgins and their children Ryanne, Landyn, and Hayden; and her sister-in-law Sandy (Ronnie) Dobbs and their children Kimberly, Ryan (Sarah & children), Karahly, and Reagan (Colleen & children).

 One of her favorite hymns was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Her life was anchored in the promises of Scripture, especially: Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois 60435. Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 AM at the same location.

 Lexie’s life leaves a legacy of faith, prayer, hospitality, love for Scripture, and devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise, that she is now in the presence of the Lord , that she loved and served so faithfully.