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Hundreds brave cold to pay final respects to former President Jimmy Carter

By
Published  January 4, 2025 11:31pm EST
Jimmy Carter
FOX 5 Atlanta

Braving the cold to say bye to President Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter was transported around Georgia on Saturday as part of a motorcade that ended with a private funeral service at the Carter Center in Atlanta. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people braved the cold elements to say their final goodbyes around the state.

The Brief

    • Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Carter Center to pay their respects to former President Jimmy Carter.
    • Attendees expressed gratitude for Carter's dedication to public service, highlighting his integrity, humanitarian efforts, and contributions post-presidency.
    • The event marked the beginning of a week of services honoring Carter, with free shuttle services provided for attendees.
    • Carter is expected to lie in repose at the Carter Center until 6 a.m., Jan. 7.

ATLANTA - Hundreds of mourners descended on the Carter Center on Saturday to pay their final respects to former President Jimmy Carter lying in repose. The public viewing that began at 7 p.m. will go on through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7. 

As the world stopped to remember the former president, a spirit of gratitude for the man who dedicated his life to public service filled the air around the Carter Center.

"I’m here to kind of honor who he was as a human, as a person, as a Georgian, as somebody with integrity, and as somebody who values humanity and giving back," Garrett Clum told FOX 5.

READ ALL JIMMY CARTER STORIES

David Silverstein said he was alive during the Carter Administration, but it was Carter’s record following his time in office that left a lasting impression.

"Humanitarianism. His faith. His love of country. His love of people," Silverstein said.

Resident Lisa Manka said working alongside the former president nearly a dozen times as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity was a memory she’ll cherish.

"It was amazing. He definitely walked the walk, he was there swinging a hammer with all of us and making sure we stayed on track," she said. "I just wanted to take a moment to thank him really, and I’m happy he’s with his wife again."

RELATED: Former first lady Rosalynn Carter laid to rest in Georgia hometown

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Mourners view the casket of former President Jimmy Carter as he lies in repose at the Carter Presidential Center on January 4, 2025 in in Atlanta, Georgia. Six days of funeral observances will take place for former Pres

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Though Saturday marked the start of an emotional week of services reflecting on the life of Georgia’s only president, it was an experience that residents were willing to stand out in the cold for.

PHOTOS: Ceremonies begin for former President Jimmy Carter | 1924-2024

"I hope his legacy lasts forever," Manka said. "It will for me."

MARTA will provide free shuttle bus service from King Memorial Station for those interested in attending. You can also walk or bike. There is no parking on-site. You can find more info on prohibited items and security measures by clicking here.

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