Jimmy Carter’s Six-Day State Funeral Begins in Georgia

The six-day state funeral of Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, began with a motorcade through south Georgia, honoring his lifelong dedication to public service, humanitarian work, and his enduring connection to his hometown of Plains.

Jimmy Carter’s Final Journey Begins in South Georgia

Jimmy Carter’s state funeral commenced on January 4, 2025, in Plains, Georgia, the small town where the 39th U.S. president was born over 100 years ago. The motorcade started at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, with Carter’s flag-draped casket escorted by former Secret Service agents serving as pallbearers.

The procession passed through Plains, a town closely tied to Carter’s legacy, where families gathered to pay their respects, some holding flowers or wearing commemorative pins. Among them was 12-year-old Will Porter Shelbrock, who admired Carter for his humanitarian efforts and environmental advocacy, such as installing solar panels on the White House.

Honoring a Life of Service

The motorcade stopped at Carter’s family farm, where the National Park Service rang a bell 39 times in his honor. The procession will continue to Atlanta, where Carter’s remains will be commemorated at the Georgia Capitol and the Carter Presidential Center.

Following this, Carter will lie in repose until Tuesday before being transported to Washington, D.C., to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. A state funeral is scheduled at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

A Return to Plains

After the national services, Carter’s final journey will conclude with a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. He will be buried alongside his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023. The couple spent most of their lives in Plains, except for periods of public service.

A Legacy Remembered

Jimmy Carter’s state funeral reflects his profound influence as a president, humanitarian, and advocate for peace. His commitment to public service and his roots in Plains remain central to the ceremonies commemorating his life.