Georgia is mourning the unexpected loss of Anne Isenhower, a longtime activist, communications professional, mentor, and community builder whose voice and work helped shape a more just and inclusive future for countless people across the state. Anne died on January 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others.
Anne Isenhower was a champion for fairness and equity in Georgia and beyond. As a co-founder of 159 Georgia Together, she helped build a statewide organization rooted in civic engagement, collaboration, and the belief that change happens when ordinary people are empowered to act together. She organized tirelessly, often behind the scenes, rarely seeking credit, and always focused on lifting others up.
Those who worked alongside Anne describe her as generous with her time and knowledge, especially to new activists finding their footing. She taught by example—how to lead with integrity, how to speak with purpose, and how to keep going even when the work was hard. Her impact stretched far beyond any single organization, touching movements, campaigns, and individuals throughout Georgia.
Professionally, Anne was one of Atlanta’s most respected public relations professionals. Over a career spanning decades, she worked at major agencies, helped guide healthcare and public-interest clients, and eventually became her own boss. She believed deeply in honesty and transparency, values that guided both her professional work and her personal relationships.
But above all else, Anne’s greatest joy and proudest legacy was her son, Max. She often shared that everything she did was for him, and that every moment they spent together was a gift. Max began college at New York University last fall, a milestone that filled Anne with pride. His sudden and unexpected death on December 7 profoundly changed her world.
Friends say Anne’s heart was broken by the loss of her beloved son. In the weeks that followed, she struggled to imagine a future without him. Her death has left family, friends, and colleagues grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions, alongside an overwhelming sense of love for the woman they knew.
Anne was many things beyond her public roles: a loyal friend of more than three decades to many, quick-witted, deeply funny, fond of rabbits, and famously unimpressive in the kitchen. She was present for the big moments and the small ones—from early “young professional” days, through the Atlanta Olympics, long nights in PR offices, and the later years of independence and activism. She valued people deeply and made sure they knew it.
Those who loved Anne ask that she be remembered not for how her life ended, but for how she lived it—through the organizations she supported, the people she mentored, the causes she championed, and the kindness she extended so freely. She would want her friends and colleagues to continue the work, to take care of one another, and to share light where they can.
Anne Isenhower was loved by many, and she loved many in return. Her absence is deeply felt across Atlanta and throughout Georgia, but her influence remains—in stronger communities, in empowered voices, and in the countless lives she touched.
Plans to gather and remember Anne will be shared in the coming months. Friends have noted that she suggested Manuel’s Tavern as a place where people could come together, share stories, and honor her memory. Opportunities to donate in memory of Anne and Max will also be announced.
Anne Isenhower’s life mattered. Her work mattered. And she will be missed more than words can say.
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