New Life Community Church

Lady Denise L. Sanders Robertson

New Life Community Church (NLCC) was established in Tyler, Texas, in 1996 with a mission to “Serve Hope to Strengthen Individuals, Families, and Communities” and to “Mold Members Into Ministers.”

For 26 years, Lady Denise Sanders Robertson faithfully served alongside her husband, Dr. Vernon M. Robertson, as First Lady of New Life Community Church until her passing on March 14, 2023. Her life reflected grace, scholarship, spiritual depth, and an unwavering commitment to Christ.

Together, Dr. and Lady Robertson founded Hold Your Hope Ministries, a service-centered ministry supporting clergy and religious leaders. She also founded Girl Talk, a mentoring ministry designed to encourage and empower young women to walk confidently in faith and purpose.

Lady Denise traveled throughout the United States and Jamaica as a missionary, sharing the Gospel with compassion and conviction. She served under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Mark Hanby and Dr. Karen D. Taylor, whose global ministry influence helped shape her theological insight and leadership.

A gifted writer and educator, Lady Denise authored children’s curriculum for Kidz for the Kingdom, NLCC’s children’s ministry, and developed leadership training manuals to strengthen ministry structure and discipleship. She also created foundational materials for the Kindred Spirit Women’s Ministry, leaving a framework that continues to nurture women in faith and fellowship.

Her courage was especially evident during her battle with cancer. She faced her illness with transparency and resilience, speaking to organizations such as Swim Across America and contributing blog writings for Baylor Hospital to offer encouragement to others. Even in adversity, she ministered hope.

Lady Denise earned an Associate of Arts degree in Multicultural Women’s Studies from Dallas College and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Living Word College. She believed education was both a spiritual and practical pathway to empowerment.

The Lady Denise Sanders Robertson Scholarship

In honor of her lifelong commitment to faith, education, mentorship, and community empowerment, the Lady Denise Sanders Robertson Scholarship was established to invest in students who reflect her values of academic excellence, service, and spiritual purpose.

This scholarship provides $1,000 in one-year support to eligible students pursuing higher education.

Eligibility & Criteria

• Minimum GPA: 3.00

• Application Deadline: March 1

• Financial Need: Considered (FAFSA required)

• Length of Support: One year

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

1. A graduating African-American senior from any public, private, or home school located in Smith County, Texas;

2. A non-traditional student residing in Smith County, Texas at the time of application; or

3. A non-traditional student residing outside of Smith County who plans to attend a college or university located in Smith County, Texas.

College Attendance

Recipients may attend:

• Any accredited college or university in the United States, or

• A college or university located in Smith County, Texas (as applicable to eligibility criteria).

Fields of Study

Students pursuing degrees in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Theology

• Liberal Arts

• Fine Arts

• Social Sciences

• Physical Sciences

• Health Sciences

The Lady Denise Sanders Robertson Scholarship ensures that her legacy lives on through students who are committed to faith, learning, leadership, and community impact. Through this investment, her voice continues to echo in classrooms, ministries, and communities for generations to come.

Our 2026 East Texas Giving Day Goal: $2,500

This year, our goal is to raise $2,500 to support the Lady Denise L. Robertson Scholarship Fund.

Each year, New Life Community Church awards two $1,000 scholarships to deserving students who reflect Lady Denise’s commitment to faith, education, and service. By raising $2,500, we are not only funding this year’s scholarships — we are strengthening the foundation of the endowment so it can continue to grow and bless students for generations to come.

Because the scholarship fund is held and invested through the East Texas Community Foundation, every gift contributes to long-term sustainability. Your generosity helps preserve and grow the fund while ensuring immediate impact.

Our vision is simple:
To honor Lady Denise’s legacy by investing in students today and safeguarding opportunity for tomorrow.

Every dollar moves us closer to that goal.

Thank you for giving where you live and for helping us build a legacy that lasts.