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Mourners Pay Tribute to Former President Jimmy Carter

In the wake of former President Jimmy Carter’s passing at the age of 100 on December 29, mourners gathered to celebrate his life and humble beginnings. Outside the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, a makeshift memorial took shape hours after the announcement of his death.

Tributes included not only traditional floral arrangements but also symbolic items like containers of peanuts, jars of peanut butter, and peaches, as reported by NPR. These items reflected Carter’s deep connection to Georgia’s agricultural heritage, particularly his family’s involvement in peanut farming.

By the time evening fell, a chalkboard sign had been added, proclaiming “We love you President Carter,” showcasing the admiration the public held for the 39th president.

Peaches, Georgia’s renowned fruit, alongside peanuts and peanut butter, serve as lasting symbols of Carter’s agricultural roots. He was born into a family of peanut farmers in Plains, Georgia, where he spent much of his early life working on the family farm to support his ambitions.

Carter eventually took over the family farm during a challenging period after his father’s passing. Transforming the struggling business into a profitable venture was no easy feat and required many years of hard work and dedication.

After completing his time at the Naval Academy and serving as an engineer, Carter transitioned into politics, serving as governor of Georgia. His political journey culminated in his presidency, which was marked by significant domestic and foreign policy initiatives.

Having held the record as the longest-living president since March 2019, Carter set a new milestone with each birthday thereafter, exemplifying longevity and resilience.

In addition to his political legacy, Carter is remembered for his partnership with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. Together, they co-founded the Carter Center in 1982, which continues to focus on humanitarian efforts globally as a non-profit organization.

Source
people.com