CBN First Lady Dede Robertson, Wife of Pat, Dies at 94

WATCH a Special Video Tribute to Dede Robertson

Mrs. Adelia “Dede” Robertson, beloved wife of M.G. “Pat” Robertson, founder of The Christian Broadcasting Network, died Apr. 19, at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was 94.

Mrs. Robertson is survived by her husband, Pat Robertson, her four children, Timothy Robertson (Lisa), Elizabeth Robinson (Charles), Gordon Robertson (Katharyn), and Ann LeBlanc (Gary), 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Dede Elmer was born Dec. 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.

Dede continued her education at the prestigious Yale University School of Nursing where she received a master of nursing degree. While attending Yale, she met M.G. “Pat” Robertson, a student in the Yale Law School. They were married in 1954.

Mrs. Robertson was a founding and continued member of the boards of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., Regent University and Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation.

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 women in Latin America.

Dede Robertson was selected Christian Woman of the Year in 1986.

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.

Dede traveled extensively on behalf of the ministry of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Operation Blessing International and The Flying Hospital’s medical missions. Traveling across Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, she worked tirelessly to bring humanitarian and medical aid to hurting people throughout the world.

“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 says. {eoa}

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