On Sunday, December 29th, former president Jimmy Carter passed at his family home in Plains Georgia. Just days later, the State Funeral began with a tour of the president's home state to honor his life. The motorcade’s progression stopped to commemorate him in a few key spots’ starting with the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center; pausing at Mr. Carter's childhood home; taking a moment of silence at the Georgia State Capitol; and finally ending at the Carter Presidential Center. Here Mr. Carter lied in repose for roughly eleven hours before being flown to the US Capital.

Article by Avery Junker, Junior White House Correspondent 

ATLANTA - The journey to honor and remember the life of President Jimmy Carter began with a profound display of reverence in his beloved home state of Georgia. From the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where he temporarily rested, to the Boyhood Farm that shaped his early years, and finally to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, each stop along the motorcade route reflected the deep bond between President Carter and the people he served.

Crowds of Americans gathered to pay their respects, waving flags and sharing heartfelt tributes to the 39th President of the United States. This solemn procession, rich with symbolic gestures and moments of reflection, underscored the enduring legacy of a leader devoted to service, humility, and his roots in Plains, Georgia.

Americus, Georgia

The Carter family met the late president at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Saturday and watched as former and current special agents, known as the Carter Protective Division carried Mr. Carter’s body to the hearse. These eight men served as pallbearers and walked alongside him and the hearse, as it pulled out of the medical center, and met hundreds of Americans waving flags and expressing their support. Mr. Carter’s family departed alongside him, as they traveled to Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Farm, where he lived from age four until he departed for college. The Phoebe Sumter Medical Center was important to Mr. and Mrs. Carter and served as a temporary resting place for the late president.

Plains, Georgia

After leaving the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Mr. Carter and his family traveled towards his childhood home, a monumental stop in his journey to his final resting place. There they met the honor guard and staffers of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, which the Boyhood Home is a part of. 

Once arrived, Mr. Carter was saluted by the group, as the National Historical Park flag dipped in reverence for the man. Karen Barry and Randy Dillard, two Jimmy Carter National Historical Park employees, rang the home's bell 39 times, in recognition of his status as the 39th President of the United States. This brief but impactful visit reflects his commitment to his home state and preference for a simpler life. The motorcade moved along, journeying to Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia

Along the route, several viewing opportunities arose for the public to pay their final respects to the president. At each city,  Preston, Ellaville, Butler, Reynolds, and Fort Valley, the motorcade slowed down allowing Americans in attendance to say goodbye. In recognition of Mr. Carter's service as both a senator and governor of Georgia, this next stop at the Georgia state capital acknowledged his tremendous service to its citizens. All in attendance held a moment of silence. 

Mr. Carter and his family traveled onward shortly after this moment of silence. They were received by ceremonial troops at the Carter Presidential Center, and Mr. Carter's casket was removed and escorted into the building. Once inside, a service began and all in attendance heard from Chip Carter, the late president's son, and Jason Carter, his grandson. Additionally, the Morehouse College Glee Club performed a few musical pieces including Eternal Father and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. 

Once the service concluded the Carter family, and all others in attendance proceeded out. From 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 6th until 6:00 am on Wednesday, January 7th late President Carter laid in repose, receiving visitors there to mourn his passing. His body arrived in D.C. later that day where he will lie in state before journeying to his final resting place.