PHOTOS: Georgia’s Johnny Isakson remembered as voice of civility in politics

Life

Life

PHOTOS: Georgia’s Johnny Isakson remembered as voice of civility in politics

Friends, family and colleagues of the late U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson gathered Thursday to honor the longtime Republican lawmaker for being a voice of civility and truth at a time when politics has descended into polarization and misinformation.

220106-Atlanta- CORRECTS SPELLING OF DIANNE -Sen. Mitch McConnell embraces Sen. Johnny Isakson’s widow, Dianne, after speaking during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-A portrait of Sen. Johnny Isakson sits at the front of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church as family and friends process in for his funeral Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Isakson remembrance

220106-Atlanta-Banks and Shane perform “God Bless America” beside a portrait of Sen. Johnny Isakson during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-Kevin Isakson holds up his notecard while speaking about his father Sen. Johnny Isakson during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. The card is fashioned in the pattern his father used to use for speeches. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-Julie Isakson remembers her father Sen. Johnny Isakson during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-The funeral for Sen. Johnny Isakson at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-Sen. Mitch McConnell returns to his seat after speaking during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

220106-Atlanta-A portrait of Sen. Johnny Isakson sits at the front of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in preparation for his funeral Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker holds a program as he walks to the entrance of the United Methodist Church in Buckhead, where notable politicians and members of the community arrive to pay respect to the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A couple of ushers awaits for people to arrive at the entrance of the United Methodist Church, where the memorial service takes place of the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson on Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A couple walk in direction of the main entrance of the United Methodist Church, where the memorial service takes the place of the Late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson on
Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

People make their way to the entrance of the United Methodist Church, where the memorial service takes the place of the Late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson on
Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens answers questions to the media as he arrives at the memorial service of the U.S Senator Jonny Isakson at United Methodist Church in Buckhead onThursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Former Attorney General of Georgia Sam Olens receives a program at United Methodist Church where the memorial service takes place of the Late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson on Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Outreach Director of U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock walks through the main entrance of the United Methodist Church in Buckhead to the memorial service of the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson onThursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Security guards guard the rear of the United Methodist Church in Buckhead as Congressman and Senators arrive at the memorial service of the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State Representative and Dean of the House Calvy Smyre, makes his way to the entrance of the United Methodist Church in Buckhead to pay respect to the Late U.S Senator Johnny Isakson on Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dickens Isakson funeral

The United Methodist Church in Buckhead holds the memorial service for the late U.S.Senator Johnny Isakson, where it expects the arrival of dozens of people to show respect. Thursday, January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An usher holds a program ready to hand to the guest that arrives at the memorial service of the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson at United Methodist Church in Buckhead on Thursday January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lieutenant Governor candidate Cecil Terrell “Butch” Miller and his wife arrive at United Methodist Church in Buckhead to the late U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson memorial service on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Miguel Martinez for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

1 / 24

220106-Atlanta- CORRECTS SPELLING OF DIANNE -Sen. Mitch McConnell embraces Sen. Johnny Isakson’s widow, Dianne, after speaking during his funeral at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Today’s Gallery Headlines

Placeholder Image

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Braves lose to Dodgers in series opener

The Dodgers win their sixth in a row with a 2-1 victory over the Braves at Truist Park on Friday, May 2, 2025. The game was delayed one hour and 13 minutes by rain.

Placeholder Image

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech holds 2025 spring commencement

Georgia Tech's Class of 2025 graduated at McCamish Pavilion on Friday.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Courtesy of Serenbe Development

PHOTOS: New renderings of Serenbe's expansion plans

Placeholder Image

Credit: Paul Abell

2025 Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament

Current and former college football coaches competed at the 2025 Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament on Tuesday.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Atlanta Streets Alive begins its 2025 season of Sundays

Atlanta Streets Alive returned this weekend to convert the busy, congested Peachtree Street into a community block party.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Photos: Falcons introduce their 2025 first-round draft picks

The Falcons introduced first-round draft picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Flowery Branch on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Henri Hollis

Photos: Fine Water Summit Taste and Design Awards

Judges with the Fine Water Society sipped about 100 different waters for their 2025 Taste and Design Awards in Atlanta.

Placeholder Image

Credit: AP

The World mourns to the passing of Pope Francis

The world mourns after the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025. On Wednesday, the body of Pope Francis was carried into St.