Jimmy Carter’s Funeral Services: Schedule and Key Details \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral events begin Jan. 4, spanning multiple locations in Georgia and Washington, D.C., until Jan. 9. Events include ceremonies at the Carter Presidential Center, the U.S. Capitol, and Washington National Cathedral, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.
Jimmy Carter Funeral Services: Quick Looks
- Saturday, Jan. 4
- Carter’s family arrives at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia.
- Motorcade stops at Plains, Georgia; historic farm bell rings 39 times.
- Service at Carter Presidential Center, 4 p.m.; lies in repose starting 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 5 – Monday, Jan. 6
- Public visitation continues while Carter lies in repose.
- Tuesday, Jan. 7
- Departure to Washington, D.C., aboard Special Air Mission 39.
- Funeral procession to U.S. Capitol; service at 3 p.m.
- Public pays respects from 7 p.m. to midnight.
- Wednesday, Jan. 8
- Carter remains lying in state.
- Thursday, Jan. 9
- National Funeral Service at Washington National Cathedral, 10 a.m.
- Private interment in Plains, Georgia, at Carter’s residence, 5:20 p.m.
Deep Look
The nation will honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, during a series of funeral events from Jan. 4 to Jan. 9, 2025. These meticulously planned ceremonies reflect Carter’s lifetime of service, both as the 39th President of the United States and as a humanitarian who devoted his post-presidency to global peace and human rights. Spanning Georgia and Washington, D.C., the events will provide an opportunity for Americans and the world to bid farewell to a leader whose humility, integrity, and commitment to the greater good left an indelible mark on history.
Saturday, Jan. 4: Honoring a President’s Journey Through Georgia
The commemorative events will begin on Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m. in Americus, Georgia, where the Carter family will gather at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. In a solemn and respectful tradition, current and former Secret Service agents will escort Carter’s remains to a hearse. The motorcade will then travel to Plains, Georgia, Carter’s beloved hometown, where his life of service and connection to his roots began.
The motorcade will pause at the family farm in Plains at 10:50 a.m., a place imbued with Carter’s history and values. In a symbolic tribute, the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times, reflecting the years Carter served as the 39th President of the United States. This moment will honor his humble beginnings and the enduring bond he maintained with his hometown throughout his life.
From Plains, the motorcade will continue its journey to Atlanta, pausing at the Georgia State Capitol at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence. The day’s ceremonies will culminate at the Carter Presidential Center with an arrival ceremony at 3:45 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m. The Carter Presidential Center, established as a testament to his dedication to peace and human rights, will host this poignant moment of remembrance. Beginning at 7 p.m., Carter will lie in repose, allowing members of the public to pay their respects to the late president.
Sunday, Jan. 5 – Monday, Jan. 6: A Period of Public Reflection
On Sunday and Monday, Carter will remain lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center, offering mourners additional time to visit and honor his memory. This period of public visitation reflects Carter’s deep connection with the people he served, as individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate his contributions to the nation and the world.
Tuesday, Jan. 7: A Journey to the Nation’s Capital
On Tuesday morning, President Carter’s remains will leave the Carter Presidential Center at 9:30 a.m., embarking on the journey to Washington, D.C. At Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Carter’s family will board Special Air Mission 39, a military aircraft named in his honor for the occasion. The plane will depart at 10:40 a.m., arriving at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 12:45 p.m., where military honors will be rendered.
Upon arrival, Carter’s remains will travel by motorcade to the U.S. Navy Memorial. Here, his casket will be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson for a solemn funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol. The procession will begin at 2 p.m., symbolizing the respect and dignity with which the nation remembers its leaders.
At the Capitol, Carter’s casket will be carried by military body bearers into the Rotunda for a congressional service at 3 p.m. Members of Congress will honor Carter’s contributions, particularly his efforts to champion human rights, diplomacy, and environmental stewardship during his presidency. Following the service, Carter will lie in state, with the public invited to pay their respects from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Wednesday, Jan. 8: Lying in State at the U.S. Capitol
On Wednesday, Carter will continue to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. A military guard of honor will stand vigil, underscoring the solemnity of this moment as the nation reflects on Carter’s legacy as a leader and humanitarian.
Thursday, Jan. 9: A National Farewell and Private Goodbye
The final day of ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m., when Carter’s motorcade departs the Capitol for Washington National Cathedral. Upon arrival at 9:30 a.m., an official ceremony will precede the National Funeral Service, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. This service, attended by dignitaries, leaders, and guests from across the world, will reflect on Carter’s life of service, faith, and commitment to justice.
After the conclusion of the service, Carter’s remains will be flown back to Georgia aboard Special Air Mission 39, departing Washington at 11:45 a.m. The aircraft will arrive at Lawson Army Airfield on Fort Moore, Georgia, at 2 p.m., where military honors will once again be rendered.
The motorcade will then travel to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, a church Carter frequented and where his faith was central to his life. A private funeral service will begin at 3:45 p.m., attended by family and close friends.
At 4:45 p.m., Carter’s remains will make their final journey through Plains, with the public invited to line the motorcade route. Upon arrival at the Carter residence, Carter will be interred in a private ceremony at 5:20 p.m. This intimate moment will conclude the week of memorials. A U.S. Navy missing man formation flyover will honor Carter’s naval service and time as commander-in-chief, offering a final salute to the life of a remarkable man.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Jimmy Carter’s funeral events, rich in tradition and symbolism, reflect the deep respect and admiration he garnered as a leader, humanitarian, and advocate for peace. From his humble beginnings in Plains to his transformative presidency and unparalleled post-presidential career, Carter’s legacy is one of integrity, humility, and relentless commitment to justice and equality. As the nation bids farewell, his enduring contributions to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.
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