On Monday, April 25, 2022, the Robertson family, along with close friends, dignitaries, faculty, and staff, gathered in Regent University’s Shaw Chapel to celebrate the remarkable life of Mrs. Adelia “Dede” Robertson.
Beloved wife of Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, Dede passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on April 19 at her home in Virginia Beach. She was 94.
Dede was a founding member of the boards of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., Regent University and Operation Blessing International.
In 1982, Dede was appointed as the principal U.S. delegate to the Inter-American Commission of Women, representing the United States from 1982 to 1990. In that capacity, she played a key role in elevating the status of women living in Latin America.
Dede was also an accomplished writer, authoring two books, My God Will Supply and The New You, and a monthly column, All in a Woman’s Day for Christian Life Magazine.
A gifted and compassionate nurse, Dede earned her Master of Nursing degree from the prestigious Yale University School of Nursing. She often put her nursing skills to use on behalf of CBN, Operation Blessing International, and The Flying Hospital’s medical missions, working tirelessly to bring humanitarian and medical aid to hurting people throughout the world.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. …
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.Proverbs 31:25-31
Serving on Regent’s Board of Trustees since the school’s founding in 1978, Dede is recognized for her significant impact and substantial contributions to fulfilling the university’s mission of equipping Christian leaders to change the world. Her legacy of beauty, elegance and grace can be seen in her artist’s touch and designer’s influence in every building across campus.
Dede was faithful in her devotion to God and family, always putting the needs of others before her own. The true embodiment of a Proverbs 31 woman, she dedicated her life to serving the Lord and caring for her family.
“My mother had so many virtues. I never heard her complain or want to give up. She was steadfast. That’s what Dad needed beside him all these years; a steadfast partner who continually read and studied the Bible. She was not too concerned about herself. She was selfless. I always saw that growing up. She would make sure we had before she had,” daughter, Elizabeth Robinson, said.
“My wife was a woman of great faith, a champion of the Gospel, and a remarkable servant of Christ who has left an indelible print on all that she set her hand to during her extraordinary life,” said Pat Robertson.
A Life of Faithfulness & Service
As the spring sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of Shaw Chapel that bears Dede’s signature design, warm memories and loving tributes flowed for the first lady of Regent University. Her faithfulness to God, family and a missional calling spanned seven decades and touched hundreds of millions of souls around the world.
“More than anyone else, Grandma taught me how to love the people and the nations of the world,” granddaughter, Laura Krauss, shared.
Daughter, Ann LeBlanc, recounted wonderful memories of a dedicated mother and pillar of faith. “She taught me the faithfulness of God. When people fail you, He will never let you down.”
Son, Gordon Robertson, shared photos and gave insight into his mother’s fondness for family and fun and her perseverance in facing health challenges. “To say, ‘this isn’t going to define me. I am going to be the stroke survivor who likes to party.’ That’s all she ever wanted to do. Saying, ‘let’s come together. Let’s have good times together.’”
“She lived her life to glorify God and honor Him. We are all here today because we are the fruit of her prayers,” daughter, Elizabeth Robinson, shared poignantly.
Son, Tim Robertson, spoke of his mother’s commitment to the life of the unborn and her love of knitting—displaying samples of lovingly crafted baby blankets and booties. “Even after a stroke with the use of only one hand, she made this unbelievable blanket for one of my newest grandchildren.”
Dede’s pastor, Dan Backens of New Life Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, praised her faithfulness in devotion to God and family. He then challenged all in attendance to aspire to live to the same standards of grace and endurance so wonderfully evident in Dede’s life.
In a moving conclusion to the service, former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears presented a Virginia state flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Dede’s honor, signifying the impact of the organizations she co-founded with her husband.
“On behalf of Gov. Youngkin and a grateful state, thank you,” said Gov. McDonnell.
