Discover how a boy from rural Georgia became a global icon–This president’s epic 100-year journey
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From the humble beginnings of a peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, to the grandeur of the Oval Office, and beyond into a life of humanitarian work, Jimmy Carter's century-long journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
As the world bids farewell to the 39th President of the United States, we reflect on a life that has left an indelible mark on history.
Jimmy Carter's extended public farewell began with a state funeral that spanned six days, a testament to a life lived in service to others.
His flag-draped casket traced the path from his rural upbringing during the Depression-era South to his ascent to the pinnacle of American political power and his enduring legacy as a global humanitarian.
The opening ceremonies of his funeral shone a light on the chapters of a life that was as diverse as it was impactful.
Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, was remembered not just as a former president, but as a man of deep conviction and compassion.
His son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, and grandson, Jason Carter, spoke of the profound influence Jimmy and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, had on the world.
Together, they championed causes that changed lives and shaped futures. Rosalynn, who passed away earlier in 2023, was remembered alongside her husband as a pillar of strength and a partner in change.
"He was an amazing man. He was held up and propped up and soothed by an amazing woman," said Chip. "The two of them together changed the world. And it was an amazing thing to watch so close."
The procession through Plains, a town of about 700 residents, was a poignant reminder of Carter's roots.
The hearse paused at the farm where he worked alongside Black sharecroppers, a formative experience that would later influence his stance on civil rights and equality. The old farm bell rang 39 times to honor Carter's place as the 39th president.
The journey continued to Atlanta, stopping at the Georgia Capitol where Carter served as a state senator and governor, championing reform and change.
The Carter Presidential Center, which houses his presidential library and the Carter Center, was the final stop in Atlanta.
Here, Carter's post-presidential work in public health, democracy, and human rights set a new standard for the role of former presidents.
His grandson, Jason Carter, reminded the assembly of the center's 3,000 employees worldwide that they were the continuation of his life's work.
The military honor guard and the Secret Service, which had protected Carter for almost half a century, served as pallbearers.
The military band's rendition of Hail to the Chief and the hymn Be Thou My Vision paid homage to Carter's service as a Naval Academy graduate and his devout Baptist faith.
Rev. Tony Lowden, Carter's longtime personal pastor, remembered the man who spent his final months in hospice care, reflecting on the humility and grace that defined his character.
Chip Carter shared personal anecdotes, including how his father once spent an entire Christmas break teaching him Latin to help him pass a school test—a testament to Carter's dedication to family and education.
The public was invited to pay their respects at the Carter Presidential Center, where Jimmy Carter lay in repose.
Among the mourners was Scott Lyle, an engineer who had worked alongside Carter building homes with Habitat for Humanity. Lyle's tribute highlighted Carter's genuine commitment to helping others and living by his principles.
The national rites will continue in Washington, culminating with a funeral at Washington National Cathedral. Carter will then return to Plains for burial next to his wife, near the home they built before his political career began.
As his hearse rolled through Plains, residents lined the streets, a visual representation of the love and respect they held for a man who never forgot where he came from.
Willie Browner, a local, spoke of Carter as a figure from a bygone era of American politics, one who thought beyond himself and represented the possibility of greatness emerging from small, rural towns.
"This man, he thought of more than just himself," said Browner.
Calvin Smyre, a former Georgia legislator, recounted that legacy Saturday at the state Capitol. Smyre, who is Black, said Carter's repudiation of racial segregation led Black people to empowerment in Georgia.
"We stand on the shoulder of courageous people like Jimmy Carter," Smyre remarked. "What he did shocked and shook the political ground here in the state of Georgia. And we live better because of that."
Jimmy Carter will lie in tranquility at the Carter Presidential Center from 7 PM Saturday through 6 AM Tuesday, with the public able to pay respects around the clock.
We invite you to share your memories of President Carter, to reflect on the impact he had on your life or the lives of those around you. How did his commitment to peace and human rights influence your views? What lessons can we learn from his dedication to public service?
As the world bids farewell to the 39th President of the United States, we reflect on a life that has left an indelible mark on history.
Jimmy Carter's extended public farewell began with a state funeral that spanned six days, a testament to a life lived in service to others.
His flag-draped casket traced the path from his rural upbringing during the Depression-era South to his ascent to the pinnacle of American political power and his enduring legacy as a global humanitarian.
The opening ceremonies of his funeral shone a light on the chapters of a life that was as diverse as it was impactful.
Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, was remembered not just as a former president, but as a man of deep conviction and compassion.
His son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, and grandson, Jason Carter, spoke of the profound influence Jimmy and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, had on the world.
Together, they championed causes that changed lives and shaped futures. Rosalynn, who passed away earlier in 2023, was remembered alongside her husband as a pillar of strength and a partner in change.
"He was an amazing man. He was held up and propped up and soothed by an amazing woman," said Chip. "The two of them together changed the world. And it was an amazing thing to watch so close."
The procession through Plains, a town of about 700 residents, was a poignant reminder of Carter's roots.
The hearse paused at the farm where he worked alongside Black sharecroppers, a formative experience that would later influence his stance on civil rights and equality. The old farm bell rang 39 times to honor Carter's place as the 39th president.
The journey continued to Atlanta, stopping at the Georgia Capitol where Carter served as a state senator and governor, championing reform and change.
The Carter Presidential Center, which houses his presidential library and the Carter Center, was the final stop in Atlanta.
Here, Carter's post-presidential work in public health, democracy, and human rights set a new standard for the role of former presidents.
His grandson, Jason Carter, reminded the assembly of the center's 3,000 employees worldwide that they were the continuation of his life's work.
Carter died at the age of 100, with his life celebrated through personalized memorials and official ceremonies. Image source: Bubba73 / Wikimedia Commons.
The military honor guard and the Secret Service, which had protected Carter for almost half a century, served as pallbearers.
The military band's rendition of Hail to the Chief and the hymn Be Thou My Vision paid homage to Carter's service as a Naval Academy graduate and his devout Baptist faith.
Rev. Tony Lowden, Carter's longtime personal pastor, remembered the man who spent his final months in hospice care, reflecting on the humility and grace that defined his character.
Chip Carter shared personal anecdotes, including how his father once spent an entire Christmas break teaching him Latin to help him pass a school test—a testament to Carter's dedication to family and education.
The public was invited to pay their respects at the Carter Presidential Center, where Jimmy Carter lay in repose.
Among the mourners was Scott Lyle, an engineer who had worked alongside Carter building homes with Habitat for Humanity. Lyle's tribute highlighted Carter's genuine commitment to helping others and living by his principles.
The national rites will continue in Washington, culminating with a funeral at Washington National Cathedral. Carter will then return to Plains for burial next to his wife, near the home they built before his political career began.
As his hearse rolled through Plains, residents lined the streets, a visual representation of the love and respect they held for a man who never forgot where he came from.
Willie Browner, a local, spoke of Carter as a figure from a bygone era of American politics, one who thought beyond himself and represented the possibility of greatness emerging from small, rural towns.
"This man, he thought of more than just himself," said Browner.
Calvin Smyre, a former Georgia legislator, recounted that legacy Saturday at the state Capitol. Smyre, who is Black, said Carter's repudiation of racial segregation led Black people to empowerment in Georgia.
"We stand on the shoulder of courageous people like Jimmy Carter," Smyre remarked. "What he did shocked and shook the political ground here in the state of Georgia. And we live better because of that."
Jimmy Carter will lie in tranquility at the Carter Presidential Center from 7 PM Saturday through 6 AM Tuesday, with the public able to pay respects around the clock.
We invite you to share your memories of President Carter, to reflect on the impact he had on your life or the lives of those around you. How did his commitment to peace and human rights influence your views? What lessons can we learn from his dedication to public service?
