Gastonia, NC—SENPA and Organic Marketplace shared the news of the sudden passing of Renee Southard, immediate Past President of SENPA, owner of Organic Marketplace (OMP) in Gastonia, NC, and WholeFoods Magazine's 2023 Retailer of the Year.

A Heart for Service

In 1992, Southard opened a small supplement store under the name Nature’s Path, then renamed the store Organic Marketplace in 1993. As she told WholeFoods Magazine in a special feature recognizing her work, “There weRenee Southard (left) receives the Retailer of the Year award from WholeFoods Magazine's Heather Wainer.re days in the beginning, with me being the only employee for almost two years, that no one walked in. On those days, I pulled out a trusty card catalog I kept on customers and called to see how they were doing…You make a genuine effort to connect with people, and they will come.” They did start coming. Organic Marketplace relocated to a 5,000-square-foot location 2003, and more growth followed. 

The team at Organic Marketplace posted the news of Southard's passing, and love from loyal customers came pouring in. Among the loving messages that show why she has had such an impact on so many: "Renee was such a blessing to this community. She was a leader of the holistic/natural health movement and has helped SO many in very hard times in their lives. On numerous occasions she donated items to families in need of help and items for school projects. I could never thank her enough for the guidance she offered to my family and children, and the education she brought to so many. We are on the second generation of holistic children due to her work and activism in our community. Rest in peace sweet Renee and sending prayers to all her family and Organic Marketplace community."

What Southard told WholeFoods in 2023 is clear: “I have always had a heart of service." She said, "I was a teen advisory board member for the City of Charlotte in high school. I got married and had two boys, then started volunteering at my kids’ school. I led the Boys Scouts of America when they were young. As they grew, my desire to help did, too. I sat on the first AIDS council in the late 90s into the 2000s. I was on the EC Board of the Optimist Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and was a finalist in the Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year. I was on our city board Keep Gastonia Beautiful, chairing the Beautification projects in our city, and an active member of Keep America Beautiful for 15 years." 

As SENPA posted on social media, Southard served on SENPA’s board from 2013–2024, shaping SENPA and the natural products industry with her leadership. From 2020-2024, she served as SENPA President. "Her vision and commitment led to remarkable achievements, including the pioneering of the SOHO Road Shows, which brought education to retailers across 11 states and significantly expanded SENPA’s membership," the organization shared. "She was instrumental in enriching alliances with organizations such as INFRA, fostering collaboration and growth throughout the natural products industry. Renee’s dedication and passion were evident in every aspect of her work, and her contributions will have a lasting impact on our community."

Southard was always looking ahead, thinking of the best path forward for all. Her legacy will live on in many ways, including one she told us about in 2023: SENPA's Emerging Leaders initiative. “As you all know, we have younger retailers coming into the space," she said. "We also have many second- and third-gens coming that need a place to grow and thrive. We are cultivating a group of brilliant new leaders to carry on and make this industry we all love brighter and even better than they found it!” 

Read more about Southard's life and legacy, including her wish for the industry, here.

Industry members honor Renee Southard

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Renee Southard, former SENPA President, mentor and friend to so many within our industry. We are forever grateful for all that Renee gave of herself and her legacy of unwavering guidance, kindness and generosity will continue to inspire us every day. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with her family, store team members and friends as they work through this difficult time." SENPA President Jeff Shackelford

"Renee's passion for our industry spoke volumes.  Elected by her peers she was the only SENPA president to serve the association for 4 consecutive years because she believed in the independent retailer she represented.  Her laughter was contagious and her heart filled smile will truly be missed by us all." Debra Short, Executive Director, SENPA, Inc.

"I am in complete shock that someone as vibrant as Renee is gone way too soon. Renee was such a positive force in this industry with her leadership of SENPA and her store Organic Marketplace. She always had a smile on her face and it was always special to spend time with her. I will cherish those times. We were excited as her to name her Retailer of the Year in 2023. It has been an honor to know her. She will be missed." Heather Wainer, WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and Chief Business Officer.

“Something magical happens when someone changes your life from the moment that you first meet them. It is in this respect that I will be forever thankful to have called Renee not only a colleague, but a friend. She was unstoppable, with passion and fervor for this industry and a champion of retail education. Her business acumen was accompanied with a zest for life and just a little mischievousness. Above all, she made a difference.” Ryan Sensenbrenner, Enzymedica

"Renee Southard was a cherished member of INFRA’s community, leaving behind a legacy of partnership, influence, and dedication. Renee’s commitment to the natural foods and supplements to industry communities was evident in all she did. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support to those around her. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we remember Renee, we celebrate her life and the indelible mark she left on us. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who knew her." Pat Sheridan, President & CEO, INFRA

"Renee was the ultimate example of dedication to all of the Natural Food Industry - an independent retailer so passionate about her involvement with SENPA and INFRA organizations for the continued success of all. Her smile contagious. She had so much love for us all. Her hopes of leaving her mark in our industry meant everything to her. Words cannot express how much I love her. To say that she will be missed is an understatement! My heart is broken."  Marie Montemurro, Lovey's Natural Foods 

"Renee put her passion for our industry into every task that she tackled and thus was a great president of SENPA. But she was so much more than that. Her laughter was infectious. She moved through this world with love and grace in her heart. Renee, you were a precious friend of mine and to so many of us. I love and miss you." Karen Greenway, Get Healthy 

Dr. Jeffrey Burke, Director of Education for Kokora, shared his favorite quote as a source of comfort for all who feel the loss: “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” ~Anonymous

Remembering industry leaders