The local Democratic party organized the event to commemorate the 39th president’s life and legacy. A former pastor and state senate candidate, Lee Dotson, attended the remembrance. He ran for office in South Georgia and met President Carter several times, witnessing Carter’s campaign strategy up close.

Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried said she is hopeful the next generation will learn from Carter’s example.

Mr. Carter witnessed a shift from what had been a solidly Democratic South to one that Republicans, supported by white voters and particularly evangelicals, came to dominate.

Madeleine Blais was a staff writer for the Trenton Times in 1976 when she was assigned to cover the Democratic Convention in New York City where Jimmy Carter claimed his party's nomination. The four days were mostly a snore -- but she created a time capsule of the week that she treasures to this day.

Jimmy Carter was in office from 1977 until 1981, but it was his life outside the White House that has continued to speak volumes

Only three family members spoke during the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, but many more attended the services and are expected in Plains. Ga.

As the 39th president is eulogized in Washington National Cathedral, Biden tells mourners his long-ago predecessor “taught me ... the strength of character.”

These events will all take place around the weekend as the nation says goodbye to the late president during a national day of mourning.