CBN’s Dede Robertson Dies At 94: ‘Mom Was The Glue That Held The Robertson Family Together’
By Movieguide® Staff
CBN recently confirmed that Adelia “Dede” Robertson, the wife of CBN founder and friend of Movieguide® ‘s Dr. Ted Baehr Pat Robertson, died on April 19, at 94.
Movieguide® awarded Pat Robertson with Movieguide®’s Special Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Award Gala for his service to God through CBN and “The 700 Club.”
“Dede Robertson 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,” Pat Robertson said.
“Mom was the glue that held the Robertson family together,” Gordon Robertson, one of her four children and the president and CEO of CBN, said. “She was always working behind the scenes. If it weren’t for Mom, there wouldn’t be a CBN.”
In 1986, Dede Robertson earned the Christian Woman of the Year award.
With a Master of Nursing Degree from Yale University, Robertson’s central ministry for CBN was international travel on behalf of Operation Blessing International and The Flying Hospital to bring humanitarian aid to Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
“My mom was a rock. She was a rock throughout our childhood. Dad had to travel a lot, but Mom was always there for us kids… that gives great security to children,” her daughter, Ann LeBlanc, said.
“I think the thing that’s been wonderful for all of us children to see was the extraordinary growth in my parents… as they got older, it seems like they were getting closer together… there was a sweetness and a gentleness in both of them. That was a great example for us kids to see,” her son, Tim Robertson, added.
“My mother had so many virtues… I’ve 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 the Bible 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,” her daughter Elizabeth Robinson said.
CBN reported:
Dede Elmer was born December 3, 1927, in Columbus, Ohio, to Ralph P. and Florence B. Elmer. She graduated from Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Administration. She worked as a fashion model and was a beauty queen in the Miss Ohio State contest.
In 1982, she was appointed as the principal U.S. delegate to the Inter-American Commission of Women, where she represented the United States from 1982 to 1990. In that capacity she played a key role in elevating the status of the women who lived in Latin America.
Mrs. Robertson was also an accomplished writer, authoring two books, My God Will Supply and The New You. She also wrote a monthly column, All in a Woman’s Day, for Christian Life Magazine.
In 1987 and 1988, Dede campaigned enthusiastically for Pat Robertson in his run for the Republican nomination for the office of President of the United States. Dede visited 52 American cities on behalf of her husband during his presidential bid.
Mrs. Robertson was an extraordinarily creative interior decorator. She led the design team that created an amazing experience for those who visited The Swan Terrace of The Founders Inn and Spa. She designed the furniture and chose the carpeting for the Regent University Chapel. Her crowning achievement was the decoration of the Regent University Theatre. She not only selected the magnificent colors but also the chairs and other decorations in that lovely theater, so much so that the board of trustees of Regent University renamed it the Dede Robertson Theatre. It can truly be said that wherever Dede’s hand touched, it brought beauty.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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