From the Georgia State House to the White House and for decades after, Rosalynn Carter was actively devoted to building a more caring society
ATLANTA, GA — Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights, passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2:10 p.m. at her home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96. She died peacefully, with family by her side, (Rosalynn Carter 1927-2023.) Services took place from Monday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Atlanta and Sumter County, Georgia.
Mrs. Carter was married for 77 years to President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who is now 99 years old.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President Carter said. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Born in Plains on August 18, 1927, Mrs. Carter was the first of four children in the family of Allethea Murray Smith and Wilburn Edgar Smith. She grew up in a small-town atmosphere that nurtured strong ties to family and dedication to church and community. When she was 13, her father died and her mother became a dressmaker to help support the family. As the oldest child, Mrs. Carter worked beside her mother, helping with the sewing, the housekeeping, and the other children.
She is survived by her children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A grandson died in 2015.
“Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right,” said Chip Carter. “Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”
The funeral procession began on Monday, Nov. 27 with the Wreath-Laying at Georgia Southwestern State University and Repose at Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, followed by the Carter Center Departure Ceremony and Tribute Service on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the ceremonies are complete with the Funeral Service and Interment at 10:55 a.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains for family and invited friends.
The casket will be transferred to a hearse and depart for private interment at the Carter family residence.
The public is welcome to line the family motorcade route as it proceeds from the church, down Bond Street, and along Hwy. 280 in downtown Plains. Viewing areas will be designated. Everyone is expected to respect private property and park only in designated areas.
Additional Details
Condolence books will be available to sign at Georgia Southwestern State University, the Plains Welcome Center, Plains High School, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.