Sat Jan 04 19:57:00 UTC 2025: ## Carter’s Farewell Begins: A Nation Mourns 39th President
**Atlanta, GA –** A six-day state funeral has begun for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29th at the age of 100. Saturday’s events saw a procession through Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, and a poignant stop at his family farm, highlighting his humble beginnings and journey to the presidency. The motorcade continued to Atlanta, culminating at the Carter Presidential Center, where Carter’s casket now lies in repose until Tuesday morning.
The public farewell showcased Carter’s life, from his Depression-era upbringing and time working alongside Black sharecroppers to his years as a state senator, governor, and president. His post-presidency work with The Carter Center, focused on public health, democracy, and human rights, was also celebrated. Family members, including his son Chip Carter and grandson Jason Carter, delivered moving tributes, emphasizing his dedication to family and his lasting impact on the world.
Mourners from across the country, including those who worked alongside him on Habitat for Humanity projects, lined the streets and visited the Carter Center to pay their respects. Former Georgia legislator Calvin Smyre highlighted Carter’s crucial role in dismantling racial segregation in the state.
The funeral continues with national rites in Washington, culminating in a service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday before Carter’s final burial alongside his wife, Rosalynn, in Plains. The carefully planned funeral reflects Carter’s own emphasis on his deep rural roots as the foundation of his remarkable life and career. The event serves as a testament to a life dedicated to service and a legacy that continues to inspire.
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