American Christian author, Luci Swindoll, the older sister of pastor Chuck Swindoll, has died at the age of 88 after contracting Covid-19.

After writing a popular book on singleness in the 1980s, Swindoll became a prominent speaker at the popular 'Women in Faith' events, which drew thousands of attendees.

Throughout her ministry, Swindoll distinguished herself a relentless proponent of God's grace. “Legalism is the worst thing that ever happened to the church,” she once said. “When I realized that God deals in grace … it set me free to be who I really am.”

In a tweet on his sister's death, Pastor Chuck Swindoll said:

"To all who have reached out regarding my sister, Luci, and her passing on October 20, thank you. Your kindness means so much to our family. We will have a special “Celebration of Life” in her honor in 2021 after the pandemic has ended—date to be announced." 

Many others paid tribute to Swindoll on social media, with Christian singer Nichole Nordeman noting that the loss was "incalculable".

"Her joy now? Also incalculable," Nordeman added. "There was nobody like Luci. She left forever fingerprints on my life, and anyone she met for 5 minutes felt the same way. Oh to hear the conversations she's having now. That voice. That laugh." 

Christian preacher and author, Beth Moore, tweeted: "Heaven just got a whole lot funnier. We love you, Luci!!!!!!" 

Many others pointed to Swindoll's longstanding work as an ambassador for Christian charity World Vision, which facilitates the sponsoring of children from impoverished nations.  

Another Twitter user added: "Luci Swindoll was a woman of faith who touched many lives. It is difficult to let go while here on earth, but the knowledge that she is with Jesus is so comforting. “Death hath no terrors for the blood-bought one.”

“When I’m with the Lord face to face,” Swindoll once said, “it is my own life that I lay down and not the prefabrication of one who always tried to be somebody else".