Former President Jimmy Carter attended the final memorial service for his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, on November 29, 2023. The former first lady’s commemoration of life spanned three days, starting in Americus, Georgia, on Monday, continuing in Atlanta on Tuesday, and concluding in her hometown of Plains on Wednesday.

Despite being in hospice care since February, the 99-year-old former President Carter undertook a 150-mile journey to attend the Atlanta service and was also present at the smaller Wednesday morning service in Plains.

The funeral took place at Maranatha Baptist Church, a long-time place of worship for the Carter family. It was an intimate gathering primarily composed of family members and local community members, in stark contrast to the larger Atlanta memorial, which boasted the presence of notable figures including President Joe Biden and five former first ladies.

Tony Lowden, Rosalynn Carter’s personal pastor, delivered a heartfelt eulogy inspired by Proverbs 31:10-31, a biblical passage commonly known as the virtuous woman scripture. Lowden spoke of Rosalynn’s universally admired character, emphasizing that she was a person who transcended political divides. He expressed that no one on Earth had a negative word to say about her, regardless of their political affiliations, and highlighted her unwavering devotion to principles rather than political parties.

In his eulogy, Pastor Lowden stated, “There’s no place on this Earth that you can find anyone that has anything bad to say about Rosalynn Carter. Not one word. Not a news article. Not even one person on the Left or anybody on the Right. … She did not worship the donkey or the elephant. She worshiped the lamb.”

Lowden also invoked the scripture, “Who can find a virtuous wife? Jimmy Carter. For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of a husband safely trusts her,” emphasizing the deep and unshakable bond between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

The Carters’ enduring love story and their remarkable partnership in public service were celebrated throughout the memorial services. Their union, lasting nearly eight decades, had left an indelible mark on American political history, as Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States, while Rosalynn Carter made significant contributions as the first lady.

Rosalynn Carter, known for her advocacy on mental health issues, played a pivotal role in raising awareness about mental health challenges and reducing the stigma associated with them. Her compassionate work continued long after her time in the White House, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of mental health advocacy.

President Joe Biden’s presence at the Atlanta memorial service underscored the high regard in which the Carters were held in the political world. The gathering of five former first ladies, along with their dignified tributes, reflected the respect and admiration they had for Rosalynn Carter.

In conclusion, the final memorial service for Rosalynn Carter was a poignant and dignified occasion, honoring the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many. Jimmy Carter’s presence despite his health challenges demonstrated the enduring love between them, and the eulogy by Pastor Tony Lowden celebrated Rosalynn’s virtuous character and her ability to unite people across the political spectrum. The Carters’ legacy as a devoted couple and their contributions to American society will continue to be remembered and celebrated.