On March 5, 1951, a precious child was born to Nathaniel Tood, Sr. and Rosie Lee Isler Todd in Cleveland, Mississippi. To this union she was the third of five children. Ardie accepted Christ at the age of thirteen and was baptize at the New jerusalem M.B. Church in Clevland, MS under the leadership of Rev. W.M. Fox. She actively participated in the Junior Usher Ministry. She later joined the Old St. Phillips M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. C.H. Grainger. After many years he joined the Phillip Chapel M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Marvin Strotter, Sr. where she served as a faithful member of the Mother's Ministry. Ardie grew up in the Cleveland and Pace Communities. She was educated in the Cleveland and West Bolivar School Districts. Her greatest joy came from attending adult day care at the Tender Loving Day Care Center under the ownership of Mrs. Pearlie Carter.