Rosalynn Carter's final journey: Public pays respects as former first lady lies in repose

ATLANTA, GA―Monday marked the first in a series of memorial events to honor former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in her beloved hometown of Plains, Nov. 19, at the age of 96. Monday's events began with a wreath-laying ceremony in Americus and stretched into the night in Atlanta.

Carter's simple, casket was carried into the Carter Center shortly after 3:15 p.m. by the Armed Forces Body Bearer Team as family members stood solemnly on the sidewalk ― among them, her four children Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy. She came to rest in the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, where she laid in repose from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Sunflowers punctuated a cascade of pale and bright pink and white roses arrayed atop Carter's casket as people filed past, paying their respects to a champion of mental health care and caregiver support, and her husband of 77 years' greatest champion.

"I feel honored that we could do it," said Christina Butler, an Inman Park resident.

Rosalynn Carter Memorial Service:Here are guests expected to attend in Atlanta

Carter Memorial:Will Jimmy Carter attend Rosalynn Carter memorial service Tuesday in Atlanta? Here's the latest

Rosalynn Carter's motocade

Monday's memorials began in Americus, where the family motorcade started at Pheobe Sumter Medical Center. The motorcade then went to the campus of Georgia Southwestern University where representatives of GSW and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers placed wreaths at a statue of the former first lady of both Georgia and the United States.

The motorcade then rode from southwest Georgia, taking Interstate 75 North to Atlanta for the arrival ceremony. Before the motorcade arrival, the Carter Center was relatively quiet Monday morning, except for dozens of media organizations set up on the center's triangle.

Representatives from the center and the library did interviews on the lawn throughout the morning. One of those representatives was Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Director Meredith Evans. She called the center a "home away from home" for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

When asked what memories of Rosalynn Carter stuck out the most, Evans recalled how Rosalynn Carter spent significant time asking about Evans' son during her final interview for the job. Evans said the beautiful weather and beaming sun was "shining a light" on Rosalynn Carter Monday.

"It's bittersweet, but I feel very comfortable that she is resting," Evans said.

People started showing up to the center a little before 6 p.m. The first few to pay their respects filtered out of the library at about 6:30 p.m.

Butler, the Inman Park resident, was one of the first. She said it took her about 20 minutes to go through the museum. The repose felt like walking through Rosalynn Carter's life, Butler said. "I really love both of them, so I feel good that I did it."

Butler paid respects alongside Alan Farabaugh, who said Rosalynn Carter was a sterling example for what a post-presidency should look like.

Farabaugh said he had been through the museum before. Seeing all the Carter accomplishments leading up to her repose service made for a great experience, he said. "I think the Carter story is a pretty special story."

Many who went through the museum Monday night said Rosalynn Carter's class and dignity inspired them to come pay their respects.

David Moskowitz of Dunwoody said he once visited the Carters' Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Moskowitz said Rosalynn Carter was very engaging, and the two learned they had mutual friends because Moskowitz grew up nearby in Columbus.

"You have to respect someone who behaves that way and does it the right way," Moskowitz said of Rosalynn Carter's legacy.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.