Anniston resident recalls former first lady Rosalynn Carter

Nov. 20—An Anniston resident is recalling former first lady Rosalynn Carter as "quiet and strong."

Carter, 96, died peacefully at the home in Plains, Ga., she shared with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, on Sunday morning.

She was the second-longest living first lady; Bess Truman, the widow of President Harry S. Truman, died at age 97 in 1982.

In a statement issued by the Carter Presidential Center, the former president said, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."

Anniston resident Ellen Bass got to know the president and Mrs. Carter and took time Monday to talk about the former first lady.

Bass said Carter was "a really dear friend" of her late mother, Martha Ellen Johnson, who twice chaired the Carter campaign headquarters in Tuscaloosa.

"We are originally from Americus, Ga., which is near Plains," Bass said. "That's where the connection for us comes in."

They were able to attend President Carter's inauguration in 1977 and, because her mother had hosted Carter's mother in her home during the campaign, they were on the guest list for a White House reception the next day for all who had hosted a Carter family member during the 1976 campaign.

Bass still has the photo she took of the couple at that event.

"Rosalynn was quiet until she had something important to say," Bass said. "And, she was involved."

"After he was elected, she got very involved in mental health issues which to me is extremely important in this day and time," she said. "They did everything together and I believe Jimmy listened to her a lot."

Bass said the former first lady's was someone who "spoke up when she needed to."

"She was quiet when she needed to be and never caused any trouble," Bass said. "I think she was one of the best first ladies we have ever had."

The Carter Presidential Center has announced the former First Lady's remembrance services will begin with lying in repose at the Center on Monday, Nov. 27. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University for invited guests.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, Nov. 29, for a funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., before a private interment at the Carter family residence.

Staff Writer Brian Graves: 256-236-1551.