The Passing of Our Inspirator

A Heartfelt Tribute

We are deeply saddened to share that our founder's beloved mother, Lois Robert, has recently passed after a prolonged health battle she fought with grace, courage, and strength. Her unwavering support throughout the life of our founder, Jennifer Shelton, was a cornerstone of her musical development.

As a young girl, Ms. Shelton composed original pieces on the family piano without any formal training. It was her mother who recognized her talent and chose to nurture her passion. By enrolling Ms. Shelton in music studies and programs designed for young composers, Ms. Robert provided the encouragement that helped shape Ms. Shelton's music journey.

A Spiritual Foundation

But it wasn't just her musical progress that Ms. Robert fostered in Ms. Shelton; it was also her spiritual growth. Her mother faithfully brought young Jennifer to church every Sunday, ensuring she was raised in the Christian faith. Ms. Robert lived out Christian ideals such as patience, integrity, generosity, resilience, hard work, loyalty, hope, and perseverance in her daily life.

The Early Days of Holy Dove Records

In the early days of Holy Dove Records, it was Ms. Shelton's mother who stood by her side, believing in her vision before others did. This steadfast support was vital, strengthening Ms. Shelton to embark on a mission to inspire others through music.

Lois Robert instilled the values and provided the encouragement that this company started on. Without her, there would not have been a Holy Dove Records.

A Pro-life Hero

While her impact on this company has been formative, Lois Robert also formed an enduring legacy as a champion of pro-life principles. She demonstrated exceptional courage while enduring a prolonged and debilitating illness. Her firm conviction was that the timing of her death was a decision for God alone, not humanity. Lois had a comprehensive pro-life living will, based on the the National Right to Life's version, opting for resuscitation, intubation, and the use of a feeding tube if necessary. In it, she directed medical professionals to take all possible measures to preserve her life, even if it resulted in a diminished quality of life or increased suffering. She was adamant that she did not want to be subjected to what she perceived as murder by a doctor’s inaction, such as she felt could be the case in a "Do Not Resuscitate" order where something everyone requires – such food or air – is not given.

But in her final weeks at one of the hospitals she visited, several different doctors and nurses attempted to pressure her into accepting a “Do Not Resuscitate” status, contrary to her legally documented pro-life advanced directive on file at the hospital. It was discouraging for her, in her weakened state, to have to fend off so many suggestions that she'd be better off choosing death by the very people who were supposed to at least try to help her live. Despite this intense pressure, Lois Robert, in frail form but strong spirit, repeatedly asserted her desire for life-saving efforts, even if it meant living with a decremented quality of life. Eventually she had to transfer hospitals, as staff wouldn't stop harassing her about a DNR.

Lois faced the possibility of increased suffering with remarkable bravery, in order to avoid what she considered the sin of passive killing or "murder by inaction" (DNR), right up to the end of her life. For this reason, she is a pro-life hero.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day,

and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 

- 2 Timothy 4:7-8

A Lasting Impact

As we honor her memory and the significant role she played in our story, our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Shelton and her family during this difficult time. The legacy of Lois Robert will continue to inspire not just Ms. Shelton, but all those who have been touched by her life and the music of Holy Dove Records.