The passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and the longest-lived American president, at the age of 100 initiated a week of mourning and remembrance, culminating in a state funeral that spanned several locations and involved a multitude of dignitaries and members of the public. The ceremonies, which commenced on Saturday, January 4th, 2024, were designed to honor Carter’s life journey, from his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his presidency and his subsequent decades of humanitarian work on the global stage.
The initial tributes unfolded in Carter’s hometown of Plains, where mourners gathered to lay flowers at his monument. Among the tokens of respect were Habitat for Humanity hard hats, a poignant reminder of Carter’s longstanding dedication to the organization and its mission of providing affordable housing. These simple gestures reflected the deep affection and respect held for the former president by people from all walks of life. The specific cause of Carter’s death, which occurred on December 29th, 2023, remained undisclosed. His passing followed closely behind the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19th, 2023, at the age of 96.
The formal proceedings began with the Carter family arriving at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Nine current and former Secret Service agents, who had served during Carter’s administration, acted as pallbearers, escorting his remains to the waiting hearse. This marked the beginning of a carefully choreographed procession that would take Carter’s remains through several significant locations, each imbued with meaning and symbolism.
The motorcade then proceeded through Plains, pausing briefly at Carter’s boyhood home in Archery. During this poignant stop, the National Park Service rang the historic farm bell 39 times, a symbolic gesture acknowledging Carter’s tenure as the 39th President of the United States. This act resonated with the simplicity and humility that characterized Carter’s life, even as he occupied the highest office in the land. Following this tribute, the motorcade embarked on its journey to Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia.
Upon arrival in Atlanta, the motorcade paused at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence, led by Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and members of the Georgia General Assembly. This gathering of state and local leaders underscored the respect and admiration held for Carter within his home state. Adding further significance to the occasion, current and retired Georgia State Patrol troopers lined the Capitol steps, with those who had served on Carter’s security detail during his governorship occupying a prominent position.
The motorcade then proceeded to the Carter Presidential Center for an arrival ceremony, followed by a private service in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. These locations, which house the archives and legacy of Carter’s presidency and humanitarian work, served as fitting venues for these solemn occasions. Following the private service, President Carter’s remains were placed in repose at the Carter Presidential Center, allowing members of the public to pay their respects until the early morning of Tuesday, January 7th. This provided an opportunity for countless individuals to personally honor the former president.
The subsequent phase of the funeral services involved transporting President Carter’s remains to Washington, D.C., where he would lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, allowing for national homage. This tradition, reserved for individuals of great national significance, provided a further opportunity for the nation to mourn the loss of a former leader. On January 9th, a national funeral service was held at the Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden delivering the eulogy. President Biden had declared Thursday, January 9th, a National Day of Mourning, further emphasizing the national significance of Carter’s passing.
Following the national funeral service in Washington, D.C., President Carter’s remains were returned to Georgia for a private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. This return to his hometown marked the final stage of the week-long ceremonies. Following the private service, President Carter was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, at their residence in Plains. This final resting place, in the heart of the community that shaped him, provided a fitting conclusion to the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter.
