Funeral observances for former President Jimmy Carter are set to begin in Georgia, where he passed away on December 29 at the age of 100. The initial events will pay tribute to Carter's remarkable journey from the small town of Plains, Georgia, to his extensive global impact as a humanitarian and democracy advocate.
Honoring Carter's Roots in Rural South Georgia
The ceremonies will commence at 10:15 a.m. EST on Saturday with the Carter family arriving at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus. Former Secret Service agents who protected Carter will serve as pallbearers, accompanying the hearse as it leaves the campus en route to Plains.
The motorcade will pass through downtown Plains, near significant landmarks such as the childhood home of Rosalynn Smith Carter, the family peanut warehouses, and the old train depot that served as Carter's 1976 campaign headquarters. The route will also include the Methodist church where the Carters wed in 1946 and their final resting place.
A Stop at Carter's Boyhood Home
Following the Plains visit, the motorcade will stop at Carter's family farm and boyhood home in Archery, where the National Park Service will ring the farm bell 39 times to honor the 39th president. The property reflects Carter's upbringing during the Great Depression and his family's relative privilege and status.
Lying in Repose in Atlanta
The motorcade will then proceed to Atlanta, stopping at the Georgia Capitol and the Carter Presidential Center. A private service will be held at the center, where Carter's post-presidential work through The Carter Center is celebrated.
From Saturday evening through Monday morning, Carter will lie in repose for the public to pay their respects. The ceremony will highlight The Carter Center's global impact in diplomacy, election monitoring, and disease prevention.
What's Next: A Return to Washington
Carter's remains will travel to Washington, where he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda before his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden, a Carter ally, is set to deliver a eulogy. Following the Washington service, Carter will be laid to rest in Plains after a private hometown funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church.
Jimmy Carter's legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace continues to resonate as the nation bids farewell to a remarkable leader.
