Jimmy Carter’s Journey: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Quiet Leadership

The remains of former President Jimmy Carter will be honored this week in Washington, D.C., with a ceremonial service in the U.S. Capitol. Carter will lie in state through Thursday morning.

The nation mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100. This week, his remains will be honored in Washington, D.C., with a ceremonial service in the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in state through Thursday morning, allowing the public and officials to pay their respects.

The casket, which has been on display at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, will depart for Dobbins Air Reserve Base and then travel aboard Special Air Mission 39 to Joint Base Andrews. Thousands of mourners visited the Presidential Library over the weekend to pay tribute to the 39th president.

Upon arrival in Washington, Carter’s casket will proceed to the U.S. Navy Memorial to recognize his military service as a lieutenant on nuclear submarines. From there, a horse-drawn caisson will lead a procession to the Capitol.

Due to snow and inclement weather in the D.C. area, the Capitol service, originally scheduled earlier, will now begin at 4:30 p.m. Members of Congress will gather in the rotunda, where Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson are set to deliver eulogies. Carter’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Members of the public may pay their respects at the Capitol from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Thursday, when the casket will be transported to Washington National Cathedral for a National Funeral Service.

On Thursday afternoon, Carter’s remains will return to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, for a private service at Maranatha Baptist Church. Known for teaching Sunday School there well into his 90s, Carter remained active in his faith community throughout his life. He will be laid to rest at his family home alongside his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Carter’s four decades of post-presidential humanitarian work, which included advocating for election monitoring and addressing global health issues, defined much of his legacy. Jimmy Carter, a devoted born-again Christian, often spoke of how his faith influenced his leadership and humanitarian work. His commitment to service was deeply rooted in his Southern Baptist upbringing, which he carried throughout his presidency and in the decades that followed. He famously described his faith as the foundation for his efforts to promote peace, fight disease, and improve global health after leaving office.

After his presidency, Carter's dedication to humanitarian causes became a defining aspect of his legacy. In 1982, he established The Carter Center, an organization focused on improving global health, promoting peace, and advancing human rights. Through the Center, Carter played a pivotal role in nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease, a debilitating illness that once afflicted millions in rural Africa. His relentless efforts have brought the disease to the brink of extinction, with only a handful of cases reported in recent years.

Carter's humanitarian work extended to affordable housing initiatives. He and his wife, Rosalynn, were long-time volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, personally contributing to building and refurbishing homes for those in need. Their hands-on involvement not only raised awareness but also inspired countless others to engage in service.

Carter’s life was a testament to the power of humility, faith, and service. From a humble upbringing in rural Georgia to the highest office in the land, he never wavered in his commitment to serving others. His legacy transcends political divides, embodying a profound belief in the value of every human life. As the nation honors him in Washington and his hometown of Plains, Georgia, Carter’s enduring message of compassion, justice, and peace continues to inspire. In his own words: “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”