Jim Bakker, a televangelist mired in controversy, is mourning the loss of his sister, who passed away just a week before he did, at the age of 86.
Donna Puckett, aged 91, died on September 29 in Hollister, Missouri, leaving Bakker and his second wife, Lori, feeling “heartbroken,” according to an obituary.
The specifics surrounding her death are not known.
In a Facebook post, Bakker expressed his sorrow over the death of his “precious” sister, stating, “Donna was loved by so many people, and she loved her friends very much.”
He reflected on her role in his ministry and noted that she had impacted countless lives throughout the years. “So many of you have special memories with Donna, moments you shared together, and stories she told that will never be forgotten,” he added.
He also mentioned how much she adored his children and how their family cared for her deeply. Puckett, who had three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, maintained a close bond with her brother, showing unwavering support during his 1988 fraud trial.
During the trial, she even became emotional when questioned about Bakker’s character. “No way, no way,” she insisted, defending him against any suggestion he was a flight risk.
In his heartfelt tribute, Bakker thanked her for her loyalty and love, saying, “Thank you for standing beside me through the years. I love you more than words can say. Because of Jesus, this is not goodbye. I’ll see you again.”
Bakker’s passing was confirmed by Lori on Monday, although the cause remains undisclosed. She shared her grief online, noting, “It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening.”
Lori reflected on Jim’s contributions over 66 years to spreading the Gospel, describing him not just as a pioneer of Christian television, but as her husband and best friend.
The couple had been filming “The Jim Bakker Show” near Branson, Missouri, since its launch in 2003. Bakker, once famous for his “PTL Club” that drew millions of viewers, had a complex personal history including the early beginnings with his first wife, Tammy Faye, whom he married in 1961.
His stature allowed him to open Heritage USA, a now-defunct Christian amusement park. However, his reputation took a hit in 1987 after a scandal involving a hush-money payment to a church secretary who accused him of rape. He admitted to having a sexual encounter with her but claimed it was consensual.
The fallout saw Bakker resign from PTL, leading to Jerry Falwell taking over. A federal probe into the Bakkers’ lavish lifestyle followed, ultimately resulting in Bakker receiving a reduced prison sentence after being initially sentenced to 45 years.
Though Tammy Faye initially supported him, she eventually filed for divorce in 1992. She passed away in 2007 due to cancer. Bakker faced more controversy in 2021 when he and his church were required to pay fines for falsely claiming a product could cure COVID-19.
With contributions from various news sources.
