GASTONIA - Renee  Carpenter Southard, 68, passed away January 17, 2025. She was born October 26, 1956, daughter of Dean Greene Carpenter and the late Jack Carpenter. 

In addition to her mother, she is survived by two sons, Michael and Zachary. She was a graduate of the class of 1975 at South Mecklenburg High School. She was the owner of Organic Marketplace in Gastonia, NC, and former president of SENPA. Renee was also well known as an industry educator. She always “considered herself a teacher” and her love for education guided her career path. She spent much of her time teaching about health and wellness. Working for SENPA inspired her to help advance independent natural product retailers in an ever-changing market.