WASHINGTON — A poignant tribute to former President Jimmy Carter unfolded Thursday during his funeral at Washington National Cathedral, honoring his remarkable humility and dedicated public service spanning his lifetime before, during, and after his presidency. The service featured a grand ceremony, a stark contrast to Carter’s preference for simplicity and modesty throughout his life.
In a carefully laid-out schedule, Carter’s casket will return to Georgia aboard Air Force One following the state service. There, he is set to be laid to rest in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, after a private ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church, where he had a long history of teaching Sunday school.
All of Carter’s living successors attended the ceremony, with President Joe Biden delivering a heartfelt eulogy. Biden, who was the first sitting senator to endorse Carter’s 1976 presidential candidacy, reflected on their shared history and the values that Carter embodied. Carter passed away on December 29, at the age of 100, outliving many who prepared eulogies for him, including his vice president Walter Mondale and former President Gerald Ford.
The intimate ceremony in Plains culminated at Maranatha Baptist Church. As the family prepared to bury their patriarch next to his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, the service struck a stark contrast to the earlier national funeral. Carter’s personal pastor, Rev. Tony Lowden, spoke passionately about Carter’s unwavering Christian faith, often drawing connections to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He encouraged congregants to consider how they could emulate Carter’s example of service and compassion.
Acknowledging the contributions of Carter’s caregivers and former White House nanny Mary Prince, Lowden highlighted their importance in Carter’s life. The emotional farewell included hymns like “It is Well With My Soul” and “Old Rugged Cross,” echoing Carter’s deep reverence for faith.
Pastor Lowden articulated that Carter’s life serves as a blueprint for living with purpose, emphasizing the importance of faith and civic duty within a democratic society. His message resonated as he reminded attendees to honor Carter’s legacy by committing to service and community support in their own lives.
Maranatha’s pastor, Ashley Guthas, praised the church’s modest decor while acknowledging the emotional toll the events had taken on the Carter family. She remarked on the seeds of equality and justice that Carter and Rosalynn had planted, which now lay in the care of those who embraced their legacy.
Onlookers gathered peacefully along the motorcade route, offering soft tributes as Carter’s casket passed by. Afterward, a more personal service commenced at Maranatha, reflecting both the public appreciation of Carter’s legacy and the intimate familial bond that defined his life.
As the procession made its way through Plains, local residents expressed a deep sense of nostalgia and reverence for the late president. Many fondly recollected personal encounters with Carter, underscoring his dedication to community service, particularly his time spent with Habitat for Humanity.
Carter’s remains arrived back in Georgia, greeted by military honors and a 21-gun salute at the Fort Moore infantry base. Family members observed the casket being transferred to a hearse, while former Secret Service agents and their families looked on. The journey to Maranatha Baptist Church then continued, where a private funeral will precede Carter’s burial.
Biden and a number of dignitaries, including foreign leaders, paid their respects during the funeral, reflecting a spirit of unity across different backgrounds. Biden noted Carter’s influence on civil rights and societal challenges, emphasizing that Carter consistently taught the value of dignity and respect for all individuals.
In a moving conclusion, Biden intertwined Carter’s faith with the narrative of American resilience, highlighting Carter’s role as a steadfast leader with a compassionate heart.
The proceedings echoed with personal stories of admiration for Carter’s character and the power of community. His legacy remains a guiding light for many, especially in the values of humility and service he championed throughout his extraordinary life. Throughout the ceremonies, attendees were encouraged to reflect on living lives filled with purpose, echoing Carter’s steadfast commitment to humanity and social justice.
With his casket arriving in muted silence at the National Cathedral, the honor bestowed by the presence of dignitaries demonstrated the profound impact of Carter’s leadership and moral compass, affirming that while he may now be gone, his spirit and ideals continue to inspire future generations.
