ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Rosalynn Carter A guest holds the funeral program before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Alex /Pool/Getty Images)
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
PLAINS, Ga. — Former first lady Rosalynn Carter was laid to rest Wednesday in a private ceremony at her family’s home in Plains, Georgia, WSB-TV reported.
Friends and family gathered earlier Wednesday for a funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. The former first lady and her husband of 77 years, former President Jimmy Carter, had been active at the church since returning to Georgia in 1981 following their time in Washington D.C.
Both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were born and raised in Plains. They had been friends and neighbors long before they got married in 1946.
Pastor Tony Lowden told mourners gathered for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral that she was more than “just the first lady of the White House,” WSB reported.
“She served every nation around the world,” he said, adding that the former first lady wouldn’t have wanted people to grieve for her. Instead, he said she’d tell the group, “’I’m free. ... Jimmy tried to beat me here. I got here first. I won the prize. Tell him I beat him and I’m waiting on him.’”
The former president, who entered home hospice care in February, attended Wednesday’s funeral in his wheelchair, according to WSB.
Rosalynn Carter’s niece, Kim Fuller, earlier told the news station that she believed the funeral would “start the healing process” for her family.
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Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A makeshift memorial for former first lady Rosalynn Carter is displayed near Main St. of Plains, GA, ahead of a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A sign reading "Thank you Mrs. Carter" is seen on Main St. of Plains ahead of a private funeral for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Tape for former first lady Rosalynn Carter lines a road to Maranatha Baptist Church ahead of a private funeral on November 29, 2023. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia The Main St. of Plains, GA, ahead of a private funeral for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Billy Carter's Service Station Main St. in Plains, GA, ahead of a private funeral for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Maranatha Baptist Church, where the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter will be held, on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Ga. The former first lady died on November 19 at the age of 96. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A guest holds the funeral program before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A member of the Georgia State Patrol honor guard stands at the casket before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A Monarch butterfly, captured and preserved from former first lady Rosalynn Carter's butterfly trail, sits atop flowers in front of the pulpit before the funeral service for Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Ga. The former first lady died on November 19 at the age of 96. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Mourners embrace as they arrive at the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Ga. The former first lady died on November 19 at the age of 96. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia An honor guard from the Georgia State Patrol stand at the casket before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Ga. The former first lady died on November 19 at the age of 96. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Mourners pause at the casket before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Ga. The former first lady died on November 19 at the age of 96. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Police motorcycles lead the motorcade taking friends and family members of former first lady Rosalynn Carter to the Maranatha Baptist Church for a private funeral service on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. Following the service, the funeral procession will return to the Carter residence for a private interment. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia People arrive before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Friends and family members of former first lady Rosalynn Carter travel to the Maranatha Baptist Church for a private funeral service on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. Following the service, the funeral procession will return to the Carter residence for a private interment. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Pastor Tony Lowden speaks during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Member of the Maranatha Baptist Church Choir sing before the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Grandson Josh Carter speaks during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Great grandchild Charles Jeffrey Carter reads a scripture during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Navy Chaplain Judy Malana sings during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Great grandchild Adeline Kane Chuldenko reads a scripture during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Jeff Carter cries as he leaves the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia A family watches as a funeral procession for former first lady Rosalynn Carter passes through Plains, GA, after a private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. The funeral procession will return to the Carter residence, for a private interment. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Joanna Maddox sings during the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia An Armed Forces body bearer team moves the casket after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Amy Carter and her husband John Joseph "Jay" Kelly depart after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)
Mourners gather for Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in Plains, Georgia Onlookers raise their hands in salute as a funeral procession with friends and family members of former first lady Rosalynn Carter passes through Plains, GA, after a private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023 in Plains, Georgia. The funeral procession will return to the Carter residence, for a private interment. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“It’s gonna be very different because in the back of my mind, I’m always gonna know that she’s not gonna be able to (come),” Fuller said, according to WSB. “I’m praying a lot and trying to get myself situated.”
The former first lady was laid to rest one day after President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and all four living former first ladies remembered her at a tribute service in Atlanta.
Georgia State Patrol Honor Guard keeps vigil over the casket of Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, late Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/WFwJj7wm6o
Rosalynn Carter, 96, died on Nov. 19, two days after her family announced that she had entered home hospice care.
She is survived by her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, according to WSB.
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Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary NEW YORK - JULY 16, 1974: Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter wave to the delegates at the 1977 Democratic National Convention after Carter was nominated to run for President. (Photo by PL Gould/Images Press/Getty Images) (Images Press/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary American politician and US Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, celebrate victory in the New Hampshire Democratic Primary election, New Hampshire, February 24, 1976. (Photo by Mikki Ansin/Getty Images) (Mikki Ansin/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary FILE - In this July 10, 1976 file photo Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and daughter Amy, lower left, respond to a huge crowd that welcomed them to New York. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn celebrate their 75th anniversary this week on Thursday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo, File) (Anonymous/AP)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary FILE - In this Dec. 13, 1978, file photo, President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn lead their guests in dancing at the annual Congressional Christmas Ball at the White House in Washington. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn celebrate their 75th anniversary this week on Thursday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz, File) (Ira Schwarz/AP)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary ATLANTA - December 12: Former President Jimmy Carter with Former First Lady Rosalynn join Willie Nelson and perform at The Omni Coliseum in Atlanta Georgia. December 12, 1982 (Photo By Rick Diamond/Getty Images) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Married couple, former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter pose for photographers during a book signing event, San Francisco, California, 1987. Several members of the Secret Service can be seen behind them. The couple were promoting their book, 'Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life'. (Photo by Bromberger Hoover Photo/Getty Images) (Bromberger Hoover Photography/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Atlanta - Circa October 1994; Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter attend Former President Jimmy Carter surprise 70th. birthday party at The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta Georgia October, 1994 (Photo By Rick Diamond/Getty Images) (Rick Diamond)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary FILE - In this Aug. 6, 2001, file photo former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, left, and his wife Rosalynn help build a house for the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2001, at Asan near Chonan city, south of Seoul, South Korea. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn celebrate their 75th anniversary this week on Thursday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Yun Jai-hyoung, File) (YUN JAI-HYOUNG/AP)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Rosalynn Carter and Former President Jimmy Carter during Habitat for Humanity - 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project - Day 2 at Benton Harbor in Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States. ***Exclusive*** (Photo by R. Diamond/WireImage) (R. Diamond/WireImage)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2009, file photo former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn look at a new interactive exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn celebrate their 75th anniversary this week on Thursday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (John Bazemore/AP)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Jimmy Carter, Democratic presidential candidate, and his wife, Rosalynn, share a moment aboard his campaign plane (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter arrive at the 2015 MusiCares Person of The Year honoring Bob Dylan held at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic) (Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary WASHINGTON DC - JANUARY 1977; President Jimmy Carter with wife Rosalyn Carter, takes the oath of office from Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Warren Burger on stage in front of the White House in January 1977; (Photo by Nik Wheeler/Corbis via Getty Images) (nik wheeler/Corbis via Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary American politician and US Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, talk on the telephone after his victory in the Pennsylvania Primary election, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1976. (Photo by Mikki Ansin/Getty Images) (Mikki Ansin/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Outgoing US President Jimmy Carter (left) and First Lady Rosalynn Carter (second left) receive President-Elect Ronald Reagan and (future First Lady) Nancy Reagan at the White House, Washington DC, November 20, 1980. Reagan had just defeated Carted in the 1980 Presidential Election. (Photo by Diana Walker/Getty Images) (Diana Walker/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary American (future First Lady) Rosalynn Carter and her husband, politician (and future US President) Jimmy Carter on the day after 1976 Democratic National Convention, New York, New York, July 16, 1976. (Photo by Brownie Harris/Corbis via Getty Images) (BROWNIE HARRIS/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary ATLANTA - February 14: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter attend Former Governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter's fundraiser for his 1976 Presidential run at Royal Coach Inn Atlanta Georgia February 14, 1976 (Photo By Rick Diamond/Getty Images) (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary American politician and US Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter (center, right) and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, smile after his victory in the Pennsylvania Primary election, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1976. (Photo by Mikki Ansin/Getty Images) (Mikki Ansin/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Washington, D.C.: Amy Carter with her father Jimmy and mother Rosalynn Carter in a family suite at the Americana Hotel in Washington, D.C. on July 14, 1976. (Photo by Dick Yarwood/Newsday RM via Getty Images) (Newsday LLC/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter during Habitat for Humanity - 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project - Day 5 at Janette St. & Tecumseh St. West in Windsor, Canada. (Photo by R. Diamond/WireImage) (R. Diamond/WireImage)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary Jimmy Carter with his wife, Rosalynn, after a talk with the press in the woods near his home in Plains, Georgia (Owen Franken/Corbis via Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary NEWARK, NJ - 1996: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter working with Habitat for Humanity restoring homes May 1996 in Newark. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) (Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter: 75th wedding anniversary In this April 30, 2021, photo released by The White House, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter pose for a photo with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the home of the Carter's in Plains Ga. (Adam Schultz, The White House via AP) (Adam Schultz/AP)
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