Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral: Key Details Unveiled as Ceremony Begins

ATLANTA — Funeral observances for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, commenced Saturday in Georgia. These ceremonies will reflect his storied career, tracing his journey from the small town of Plains to global humanitarian efforts.

The first day of events focuses on Carter’s lifelong connections to rural Georgia. The services, streamed live on various platforms, kicked off with the Carter family’s arrival at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus at 10:15 a.m. EST. Former Secret Service agents served as pallbearers, escorting the hearse from the medical center to Plains.

Jimmy Carter spent over 80 years of his life in his hometown, which has a population of fewer than 700. Notably, unlike other modern presidents, including Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, Carter returned to his roots after his presidency. The motorcade traversed critical local landmarks, including the home of first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter and the gas station formerly owned by his brother Billy.

The procession also paused outside Carter’s family farm in Archery. This location, now part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, highlights his early life. The National Park Service honored the 39th president by ringing the farm’s bell 39 times, symbolizing his legacy.

Although born in a time of relative privilege, Carter’s upbringing was marked by hard work. Raised during the Great Depression, he eventually took over the family peanut business, setting the stage for his political career after the death of his father in 1953.

Following the ceremony at his boyhood home, the motorcade directed its path toward Atlanta. There, it stopped at the Georgia Capitol, where Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens led a moment of silence in recognition of Carter’s tenure as a state senator and governor.

At approximately 3:45 p.m., the motorcade arrived at the Carter Presidential Center. A private service was held at 4 p.m., with access for public mourning from 7 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday. This phase invites the public to pay their respects to a leader whose post-presidency work earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.

The next stage of ceremonies involves transporting Carter’s remains to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda until his funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday at 10 a.m. President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a eulogy, reflecting on Carter’s life and contributions.

After the national honors, Carter’s family will return to Plains for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, concluding with a graveside service at his home, where he will rest alongside Rosalynn.