Adelia Elmer Robertson Wrote a Book about Weight Loss - Facts about Pat Robertson’s Wife
Adelia Elmer Robertson, Pat Robertson's wife, was an author, Yale graduate, nurse, and an esteemed member of multiple boards. However, she revealed that raising her four children was her greatest accomplishment.
Born on December 3, 1927, Adelia Elmer Robertson, affectionately known as Dede, was a loving wife and mother of four children. She was also an author with two books to her name, and her faith led her to serve on numerous boards and devote her life to Christianity.
Adelia Elmer Robertson was also a nurse with a Master's degree from Yale, where she met her future husband. And before their passing, Adelia Elmer and Pat Robertson had celebrated 68 years of marriage.
Pat and Adelia Robertson posing for a portrait at home on August 1, 1986, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. | Source: Getty Images
Adelia Elmer Robertson and Her Husband Tied the Knot in 1954
After attending Bexley public schools in Ohio, Adelia obtained a bachelor's degree in Social Administration from Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio State University. She took a break from her education to become a fashion model and compete as a beauty queen in the Miss Ohio State contest.
However, Adelia later enrolled at Yale University School of Nursing, earning a Master's degree. While studying, she met Pat, an "obnoxious" and persistent Law student Adelia initially tried to run away from.
Pat and Adelia Robertson greeting supporters at a rally in Denver on April 3, 1988. | Source: Getty Images
However, after straying too close to a candle, Adelia's hair caught on fire, and Pat, standing nearby, put the fire out. Adelia said:
"He put the fire out in my hair but started a fire in my heart."
Pat and Adelia married in 1954 and welcomed four children: Timothy, Elizabeth, Gordon, and Anne. "I am very proud of all of my children. It is wonderful to know that my children are serving the Lord and doing what He wants them to do," Adelia said.
Pat Robertson speaking at the Christian Coalition's annual meeting on September 9, 1995, in Washington D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Adelia Elmer Robertson Had Many Passions and Interests
On top of being a founding member of the boards of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., Regent University, and Operation Blessing International, Adelia was appointed as the principal U.S. delegate to the Inter-American Commission of Women in 1982.
In this role, she represented the United States from 1982 to 1990 and played a key role in supporting women in Latin America. A woman of God, Adelia also penned two books. In 1984, she wrote "The New You," a weight-loss program that included menus and health-related Bible verses.
A few years later, Adelia released "My God Will Supply". She also wrote a monthly column, "All in a Woman's Day," for Christian Life Magazine. Her husband 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."
After earning her Master of Nursing degree, Adelia put her nursing skills to good use by providing humanitarian and medical aid to those in need worldwide on behalf of CBN, Operation Blessing International, and The Flying Hospital's medical missions.
Adelia Elmer Robertson's Husband Recently Passed Away Following Her Death in 2022
Adelia died on April 19, 2022, at her home in Virginia Beach at 94. On Monday, April 25, 2022, Adelia's family, close friends, dignitaries, faculty, and staff, gathered in Regent University's Shaw Chapel to celebrate her life.
Pat Robertson posing for a picture on October 27, 1993. | Source: Getty Images
"My mother had so many virtues. I never heard her complain or want to give up. She was steadfast," her daughter, Elizabeth, shared. Sadly, a little over a year later, Elizabeth and her siblings lost their father following Pat Robertson's passing on June 8, 2023.
Like his late wife, Pat was a man who wore many hats: he was a religious broadcasting pioneer, philanthropist, educator, Christian leader, businessman, and author. He died at his home at 93, surrounded by his family.
The Christian Broadcasting Network announced the news of Pat's death, and the former presidential candidate and his late wife are survived by their children, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.