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'I haven't been able to cry yet': Plains community prepares for Rosalynn Carter's last service

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Published  November 28, 2023 6:45pm EST
Rosalynn Carter
FOX 5 Atlanta

Rosalynn Carter to be buried in Plains

The Plains community is preparing to receive one of its most well-known, beloved residents for the last time. While the funeral is private, FOX 5 expects hundreds to line the route on the way to her final resting place.

PLAINS, Ga. - In Rosalynn Carter's hometown of Plains, it is easy to find friends of the former first lady, but what you will not find is anyone who has a bad word to say about her.  

"Mrs. Rosalynn was the kindest, gentlest woman you ever met," said Mary Jo Dodson. "She didn’t know strangers."

Carter was Dodson’s Sunday school teacher back in the day. They attended Maranatha Baptist Church together for years. On Wednesday, she will be one of many in attendance at her funeral.  

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Marantha Baptist Church on former President Jimmy Carter's 99th birthday, Oct. 1, 2023.

"We're doing everything according to what she wants," Dodson said.

Dodson will be part of the choir singing a selection handpicked by Carter. She expects Wednesday’s funeral to be an emotional day for not only her, but for every single member of their church family.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet. I think until the members of the church see that casket … that’s when it's going to sink in," Dodson said.

Rosalynn Carter's motorcade rode through Americus on Nov. 27, 2023.

For Dodson, this loss is personal. She says she will be singing her heart out to make sure Mrs. Carter can hear her.

"I hope the tears don’t start because I haven't been able to cry yet," she said.

Rosalynn Carter's funeral procession route

At 11 a.m., Rosalynn Carter's motorcade will depart from her home in Plains and head for the private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church. Spectators will be able to see her pass going east on Church Street through downtown Plains. The motorcade will take a left onto North Bond Street.

Following the funeral, there will be a short procession back to the Carter family home where Mrs. Carter will be laid to rest. Spectators will see the motorcade heading south on Bond Street toward downtown before turning west on West Church Street until Woodland Drive.

The following law enforcement agencies and units are expected along the route:

  • National Park Service
  • Sumter County Sheriff’s Office
  • Americus Police Department
  • Plains Police Department
  • Georgia Southwestern State University
  • Thomas County Sheriff’s Office
  • Thomasville Police Department
  • Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office
  • Valdosta Police Department
  • Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office
  • Moultrie Police Department
  • Tift County Sheriff’s Office
  • Lee County Sheriff’s Office
  • Albany Police Department
  • Crisp County Sheriff’s Office
  • Perry Police Department
  • Jones County Sheriff’s Office
  • Houston County Sheriff’s Office
  • Warner Robins Police Department
  • Columbus Police Department
  • Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office
  • Georgia State Patrol Honor Guard
  • Department of Corrections Honor Guard
  • Department of Natural Resources Honor Guard

These plans have been made public by The Carter Center.