Final preparations are underway in Georgia as the state and nation prepare to bid farewell to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Carter, who served as first lady of both Georgia and the United States, died Sunday, Nov. 19. Her funeral is Wednesday, Nov. 29. People will pay tribute to her in Sumter County and Atlanta ahead of her burial in a private ceremony at the family home in Plains.
Governor Brian Kemp has ordered flags to fly at half-staff Monday through Wednesday. The governor also freed up public resources to meet the “personnel and logistical challenges” associated with the public observances.
Kemp issued an executive order activating the State Operations Center to coordinate state resources needed for the ceremonies. Up to fifty National Guard troops will be deployed to assist.
Ceremonies and public viewing opportunities
A brief wreath-laying ceremony will take place on Monday, Nov. 27, around 11 a.m. in front of the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) in Americus.
In Atlanta, Carter’s body will lie in repose from 6 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The public is invited to pay their respects. Parking will be available at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 436 Peachtree Street N.E. in Atlanta. Shuttles will depart the church every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Security will search bags upon arrival at the presidential library.
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, a memorial service will be held at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University campus in Atlanta. Friends and family will attend Carter’s funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Both ceremonies are private and are not open to the public but will be available for live viewing on television. Consult your local listings.
Motorcade routes
Mourners may line motorcade routes during these events. The Carter Center will announce official times and routes in the coming days. The motorcade viewing opportunities include:
- Leaving Phoebe Sumter Medical Center en route to Georgia Southwest University on the morning of Monday, Nov. 27.
- Leaving GSW en route to The Carter Presidential Center on Monday, Nov.27, midmorning.
- Leaving The Carter President Center en route to Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University campus on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 28.
- Leaving Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 28.
- Leaving a private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains en route to a family-only interment at the Carter residence around midday on Wednesday, Nov. 29. This will be the final opportunity for the people of Plains and visitors to say farewell to Mrs. Carter.
Public condolences
Instead of flowers, Mrs. Carter requested that donations be made to the Carter Center Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.
Those wishing to give flowers in Atlanta may lay them in front of the large granite-and-steel sign at the main entrance to the Carter Presidential Center. In Plains, mourners may leave flowers near the Jimmy Carter Monument downtown.
Condolence books will be available to sign at GSW, the Plains Welcome Center, Plains High School, and in Atlanta at the Carter Presidential Center.
For more information, visit www.rosalynncartertribute.org.
