Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was honored by her family and closest friends during an intimate funeral on Wednesday. The funeral took place at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, the tiny town where both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were born, and which remained their home base throughout their journey to the White House and their global humanitarian efforts.
Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains holds special significance as the place where the Carters spent many years welcoming guests. Notably, a wooden cross crafted by Jimmy Carter in his woodshop is displayed in the church. Prior tributes to Rosalynn Carter were also conducted in nearby Americus and Atlanta.
During the intimate funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, the former president, Jimmy Carter, who is now 99 and in hospice care, sat in a wheelchair beside Maranatha’s front pew. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he bid farewell to his wife of 77 years.
Pastor Tony Lowden of Maranatha acknowledged Rosalynn Carter’s global humanitarian efforts, stating that she “served every nation around the world.” He emphasized her commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, extending beyond the church walls.
Lowden shared a message from Rosalynn in her voice, expressing a competitive spirit and belief in an afterlife. He quoted her saying, “‘Jimmy tried to beat me here. I got here first. I won the prize. Tell him I beat him and I’m waiting on him.’” the former first lady
However, he conveyed her urging to continue addressing societal issues, saying, “But she would say ‘don’t stop — there’s too many homeless people in the world. There’s still too many people who don’t have equal rights.’ … She would tell you don’t stop. Become that virtuous woman. And men, if you’re listening, make room for the virtuous woman.”
The Carter family accompanied Rosalynn’s casket to her burial plot, where she will eventually rest beside her husband. Earlier, a Tuesday memorial was attended by two other presidents, living first ladies, and the extended Carter family, making Wednesday’s hometown funeral a poignant occasion in Plains. The motorcade route drew hundreds of people paying tribute to the former first lady.