Johnette Isham, the nonprofit’s founding executive director, died Tuesday, August 1, the organization announced in a news release. No cause of death was given.
According to a previous Bradenton Herald post, Isham, 70, retired at the end of last October to spend more time with family. She was the executive director for 13 years.
Isham was instrumental in many community initiatives, including the Riverwalk, which opened in 2012, the Public Market, the Village of the Arts, and the Blues Festival.
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said in a news release in 2022-
“We would not have the Public Market or the Blues Festival, Long Table, or ArtSlam if it weren’t for her. She will be sorely missed, but I wish her all the best, everything she deserves, in her retirement.”
Realize Bradenton was selected as the Manatee Small Business of the Year in the nonprofit category in 2016.
Realize Bradenton’s social media post regarding her death includes the following excerpt:
Through her leadership, Realize Bradenton implemented the Cultural Master Plan, which was the catalyst behind the revitalization of downtown Bradenton and the development of the Riverwalk. She worked tirelessly to bring people together, promote civic pride, and economic development.
Johnette celebrated the arts with a great deal of passion. She worked with local artists to install public art in downtown spaces and enthusiastically supported local entrepreneurs, makers, creators, musicians, and business owners. Outside of the office, she was known by her friends and coworkers for her quirky costumes, spontaneous dance parties, and love of pigs in a blanket.Although Johnette retired from her role at Realize Bradenton in October of 2022, she continued to support the community through her new, self-proclaimed role as Bradenton’s Biggest Cheerleader.
We will remember her for her countless big ideas, limitless enthusiasm, and the positive influence she had on our community. She will be missed.
Johnette Isham Obituary
Johnette Isham, renowned designer, and arts philanthropist, died, leaving a remarkable legacy of community development via art. She was 70 years old. Isham has worked for organizations, the arts, and design for almost 30 years. She used her abilities as a visionary and educator to effect change in the corporate, governmental, and civic spheres.
On the other hand, Isham is most known for launching Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit organization that promotes downtown as a bustling, energetic hub. Under Isham’s guidance as Executive Director, the organization linked communities via the arts and gastronomy, supporting Bradenton in attaining its full potential.
Isham’s motivational vision allowed her to continue to have an influence even after she left Realize Bradenton in October 2022. She presented her plan for leveraging philanthropy to enhance communities at the 2015 National Philanthropy Scan Workshop.
After her death, many people were moved by Isham’s leadership, energy, and dedication. Her inspirational leadership, support for the arts, and commitment to Bradenton left an indelible and revolutionary legacy.
You can also read details about other celebrities’ obituaries we have covered below posts:
- Angus Cloud Obituary: Honoring His Inspiring Legacy!
- Phil Whitfield Obituary: The Keymaster of Jerry World Passes Away at 62
As we mourn alongside family and friends for this enormous loss, words fall short of expressing our sorrow for your loss. We are deeply saddened to learn about this promising being’s death. Please accept our sympathies, and may our prayers console you. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Note: That’s all we know about Johnette Isham. His obituary details are still unknown. We will get back to you with more information about him soon.
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