Ardith Marie Roberts

Ardith Marie Alexander was born December 17, 1931, to Ruby Lee and Jay Alexander in Salem, South Carolina. She grew up in a modest home, quickly learning the rewards of hard work and discovered a life-long passion for gardening. At the spirited age of seventeen, she eloped with Bob Roberts, a boxer who later became a renowned chef. They had four children and, for a time, lived a picturesque life in trendy Dunwoody, Georgia. Ardith honed her own culinary skills, enjoyed life as a homemaker and doted on her beautiful babies.

Over time the two grew apart and divorced, causing her to sometimes work three jobs to make ends meet. Even in hardship she made time for picnics and fun, packing up her famous fried chicken for the children. Whatever she had she shared with friends, and she never met a stranger.

With dedication and perseverance, she advanced to positions of trust and accountability in the corporate world – first with International Harvester, relocating with them for a time to Chicago, and later in Atlanta with ADP. At home her family dinners became absolutely legendary and friends of the family were thrilled to be included.

In 1998, Ardith joined Summit Baptist Church and neither would ever be the same(!) Her penchant for fun and her generous spirit were the beginning of a story that would include tireless service and a growing love for the Lord. Ardith touched everyone she met, driving friends in need, visiting the sick, volunteering, and of course her favorite – serving as a greeter for the Sunday morning services.

Bravely resilient, she survived the deaths of three adult children taken by cancer: Nancy Shirley (Wes), Cindy Pope (Ken) and Michael Roberts (Linda). With each tragedy she leaned ever closer to God.

At 86, she was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and underwent reconstructive surgery, learning to swallow and speak all over again. Then on December 1, 2020, pneumonia from aspiration dealt a final blow, releasing her into the arms of Jesus.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Gail Roberts, sisters Betty Purcell and Glenda Dodgins (Joe), grandson Michael Shirley, granddaughters Amber Dorta (Nick) and Lauren Hale (Jon), four great grandchildren: Ross and Felix Dorta, Natalie Trammel and Weston Hale.