Jimmy Carter Funeral Observances Begin in Georgia \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Six days of funeral events for former President Jimmy Carter commenced in Georgia, marking his life’s journey from small-town roots to global prominence. Initial tributes highlighted his deep connection to Plains, Georgia, while future events will include lying in state in Washington, D.C., and his burial in Plains. These ceremonies honor Carter’s political and humanitarian legacy.
Jimmy Carter Funeral Observances: Quick Looks
- Start in Georgia: Events began with a motorcade in Plains, Georgia, highlighting Carter’s roots.
- Connection to Plains: Passed key landmarks, including his home and campaign headquarters.
- Boyhood Farm Tribute: The National Park Service rang a farm bell 39 times at his family’s farm.
- Atlanta Repose: The public can pay respects at the Carter Presidential Center.
- Journey to Washington: Lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda precedes his Washington National Cathedral funeral.
- Final Resting Place: Carter will be buried in Plains alongside his wife Rosalynn.
Deep Look
The world bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter, a towering figure in American politics and global humanitarian efforts, with six days of observances that reflect his extraordinary life and legacy. Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 100, left an indelible mark on history through his commitment to public service, advocacy for democracy, and tireless humanitarian work. His funeral journey, beginning in Georgia and culminating in Washington, D.C., before returning to Plains, Georgia, is a poignant tribute to his life of purpose and humility.
Celebrating Carter’s Rural Beginnings
The first day of funeral proceedings began on Saturday morning in Plains, Georgia, the small town that Carter called home for over 80 years. The day’s events underscored his deep connection to the rural South, where his values and character were forged. The Carter family gathered at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, where the motorcade procession began.
Former Secret Service agents, who had once protected Carter during his presidency, served as pallbearers. The motorcade traveled through Plains, passing significant landmarks that defined Carter’s early life and political rise. These included the old train depot that served as his 1976 presidential campaign headquarters, the family’s peanut warehouses, and Billy Carter’s gas station.
The route also included Plains Methodist Church, where Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, and the modest one-story home that the couple built in 1962. The house, surrounded by Secret Service fencing, is where both Carter and Rosalynn spent their final days. Carter’s enduring connection to Plains exemplifies his commitment to community and family.
The Boyhood Farm: A Testament to Hard Work and Values
The motorcade made a stop at Carter’s boyhood home and family farm in Archery, Georgia, now preserved as part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. The National Park Service rang the old farm bell 39 times, symbolizing Carter’s tenure as the 39th president of the United States.
Carter’s childhood home provides a glimpse into the humble beginnings that shaped his worldview. Although born in a hospital, a rarity at the time, Carter grew up in a home without electricity or running water. The family’s farm operations gave young Carter a firsthand understanding of hard work, resilience, and the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression.
Despite these challenges, the Carters enjoyed a measure of privilege, employing Black tenant farmers and operating a general store in Plains. Jimmy Carter’s father, Earl, was a prominent civic leader, while his mother, Lillian, was a nurse who delivered Rosalynn Smith Carter. These experiences instilled in Carter a deep sense of responsibility and empathy, qualities that defined his leadership and post-presidential humanitarian efforts.
Earl Carter’s death in 1953 was a pivotal moment in Jimmy’s life. At the time, Carter was on a promising trajectory in the U.S. Navy, working on the cutting-edge nuclear submarine program. However, he chose to return to Plains to manage the family’s peanut business, a decision that eventually propelled him into politics. By 1963, he was serving in the Georgia state Senate, setting the stage for his ascent to the presidency.
A Tribute in Atlanta: Honoring Carter’s Political and Global Impact
From Archery, the motorcade traveled north to Atlanta, where Carter’s legacy as a state senator, governor, and global humanitarian was honored. The procession arrived at the Georgia Capitol, where Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens led a solemn moment of silence.
Carter’s time as governor from 1971 to 1975 was marked by progressive reforms, including a focus on desegregation and equal rights, which were groundbreaking for the South at the time. His tenure as governor paved the way for his presidential campaign, during which he presented himself as a man of integrity and faith.
The motorcade then arrived at the Carter Presidential Center, home to his presidential library and the Carter Center, which he and Rosalynn founded in 1982. A private ceremony was held at the center, followed by a public opportunity to pay respects. From Saturday evening until Monday morning, Carter will lie in repose, allowing people from all walks of life to honor his legacy.
The Carter Center’s ongoing work in international diplomacy, election monitoring, and disease eradication reflects the former president’s enduring influence. Carter, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, demonstrated how a post-presidency could be leveraged for meaningful global change.
A Return to Washington: National Honors for a Devoted Statesman
On Tuesday, Carter’s remains will travel to Washington, D.C., for national commemorations. He will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, a rare honor reserved for the most distinguished Americans. The following day, a funeral service will be held at Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden delivering a eulogy. All living former presidents have been invited to attend, underscoring the bipartisan respect Carter commanded.
The service will celebrate Carter’s unique presidency, marked by his emphasis on human rights, environmental stewardship, and energy policy. Though his time in office was often criticized for its economic challenges, history has increasingly recognized his moral clarity and far-reaching initiatives, such as the Camp David Accords.
Final Farewell in Plains
After the Washington ceremonies, Carter’s body will return to Plains for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for decades. This intimate service will reflect the deep faith that guided Carter’s life and leadership.
He will be laid to rest beside Rosalynn in a simple graveside service near their family home. The burial site, visible from the porch of their house, ensures that Carter remains connected to the community he cherished.
As the world says goodbye to Jimmy Carter, the six-day tribute encapsulates a life devoted to service, humility, and the pursuit of justice. His legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace will continue to inspire generations to come.
Jimmy Carter Funeral
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