Rosalynn Carter laid to rest, former First Lady’s funeral held in Plains

PLAINS, Ga. – Hundreds lined the streets of Plains Wednesday morning to say their final farewells to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter as the final funeral procession took place.

For someone like Terrance Little, he grew up in Sumter county and was a family friend of the Carters.

He shared a few memories he had of the First Lady.

“…Over the years, the Carter family used to walk through the town, and we used to get a chance to see them and talk to them and stuff like that. They would come to our family events for Christmas and stuff like that. So, we feel very connected to the Carters,” said Terrance Little, former Sumter county resident.

Students from across the state of Georgia also made the trip to plains to see the funeral procession…

With many of them being members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA)…

Something that the Carters supported throughout their lives.

“We’re here to show our appreciation for the Carter family, as a whole supporter for the FFA. They have done so much and they were active members. And, now they have continued throughout their lives to support FFA. And, I think it’s important that we come here and show our respect and appreciation for them,” said Janna Jobe, Brunswick FFA.

“Especially Mrs. Carter. She was a huge influence for women in agriculture,” said Sydney King, Brunswick FFA.

For one retired teacher, she made the trip from Bainbridge to pay her respects to the First Lady for all of her humanitarian efforts.

“Rosalynn Carter was just a wonderful lady. I kind of had a close association with them through my sister,” said Sonja Pugh, Bainbridge.

But, just like the hundreds of others who’ve paid their respects over the course of the week, it’s one last chance for people across Georgia to mourn.

“…Just here to grieve a little bit and wish the best for the Carters…” said Terrance Little, former Sumter county resident.

As people across the state of Georgia have grieved over the course of the last week, Rosalynn Carter’s message that “doing what you can to show you care about others will make the world a better place” will live on.

Rosalynn Carter was buried on the Carter family residence following the procession from Maranatha Baptist Church.

Brian Roche reporting.

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