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Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains opens its arms to mourners

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Published  December 30, 2024 11:17pm EST
Jimmy Carter
FOX 5 Atlanta

'They'll always be alive in Plains'

As the nation mourns the death of former President Jimmy Carter, FOX 5 Atlanta keyed in on how those in his hometown are handling the news.

The Brief

    • People traveled from near and far to Plains, Georgia, to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, bringing flowers and personal stories.
    • The news of Carter's death, nearly two years after entering home hospice, prompted many to reflect on his legacy and teach younger generations about his presidency.
    • The Plains community adorned Main Street with red, white, and blue ribbons and shared personal anecdotes of Carter's kindness and involvement in local businesses.
    • A private prayer vigil was held at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter had taught Sunday School, as the community prepared for a final farewell.
    • Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest in Plains, beside his wife Rosalynn, as the community mourns his passing.

PLAINS, Ga. - In the heart of Georgia's peanut country, people from near and far poured into Plains on Monday, some driving several hours with flowers to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter.

"It's personal and to be able to show that kind of respect for such a great human being can only be done in person," said Joe Parramore.

Sunday's news of Mr. Carter’s death came nearly two years after he entered home hospice. While his death was not unexpected, it was still sad for those like Sheilah Hahn. She drove in from Buford to teach her grandkids about one of her favorite presidents.

"We wanted to show them, this is what presidents are supposed to do, not fighting all the time, not griping at each other, back and forth," she said.

As people made the pilgrimage to Plains on Monday to honor the former president, red, white and blue ribbons were put up on Main Street as this community showed their love for him. Pretty much everyone who lives here has a personal story about Mr. Carter. Stephanie Young is a business owner who says she was welcomed by him when she opened her shop in 2022.

"He made it a point to get out, visit the stores, talk to the store owners and if any business came into town, he would welcome you to Plains," she said.

Jimmy Carter to be buried next to Rosalynn

Former President Jimmy Carter will be buried right next to his life-long sweetheart, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at their family plot in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn passed away in November 2023.

Monday night, members of the Plains community gathered for a private prayer vigil at Maranatha Baptist Church, the same church where Mr. Carter taught Sunday School for years and where this community will say its final farewell next week to the southern gentleman that the people of Plains say they will miss.

"Hard to realize that we don't have them anymore," said Gwynelle Ariail.

This community is mourning as they deal with this loss.

Mr. Carter will be laid to rest in Plains next to his wife Rosalynn.

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Tyler Fingert.

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