Reactions to the death of Rosalynn Carter pour in from Georgia leaders and organizations

An outpouring of condolences and kind words were issued Sunday by Georgians from the arts to politics and across a variety of non-profit organizations regarding the death of Rosalynn Carter.

The former first-lady died peacefully at her home in Plains, Ga. at the age of 96 with her family by her side, according to the Carter Center.

Since Carter’s death, multiple statements have praised her philanthropic work and her benevolence in helping her fellow man.

Paul Pierce, the former producing artistic director of the Springer Opera House, talked about Carter’s down-to- earth quality. He said the Carters had been to the Springer multiple times during his 35 years as its chief., including one time for a gathering of anthropological figures who were examining a controversial immigration theory.

“Often times they were in the Springer for community events,” said Pierce, now a senior advisor to the Springer for special projects. One such event was in the early 1990s and the subject and theory was somewhat controversial “Early on the Carters came to the Springer for a anthropological of those who were studying some theories on immigration on the continent that resulted in the Mississippian culture and the Muscogee people in the Southeast”

He was impressed with the Carters.

“They were very much like small town, hometown people,” Pierce said. “They were very easy to know and talk to, and sometimes very candid about their ideas and values.”

He recalled the last time he saw Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter was when they came to the Springer for the opening of a play based on a children’s book written by Amy Carter about the former president’s tales at sea when he was a naval officer.

“There must have been 40 or 50 Carters here,” Pierce recalled.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson said, “She brought a grace to the American political scene that I think was something that, even when things didn’t go that well in the White House, you were proud to say that she was the first lady.”

Henderson said, “I think she just made a lifetime out of serving other people, particularly those that really needed the help and couldn’t take care of themselves.”

Sen. Jon Ossoff issued this statement.

“A former First Lady of Georgia and the United States, Rosalynn’s lifetime of work and her dedication for public service changed the lives of many. Among her many accomplishments, Rosalynn Carter will be remembered for her compassionate nature and her passion for women’s rights, human rights, and mental health reform.”

Ossoff later said, “The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of Rosalynn Carter.”

Gov. Brian Kemp wrote on social media his remembrances of the former First Lady.

“A proud native Georgian, she had an indelible impact on our state and nation,” Kemp wrote. “Working alongside her husband, she championed mental health services and promoted the state she loved across the globe. … President Carter and his family are in our prayers as the world reflects on First Lady Carter’s storied life and the nation mourns her passing.”

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop said, “Drawing on life’s experiences, disappointments, challenges, and triumphs, she became an advocate for women, children, the elderly, and the vulnerable.”

“Multiple generations enjoy a better quality of life and greater opportunities because of her love, compassion, resilience, and dedication. The lives of countless people – whether or not they knew it – were touched by the work she did, aided, and inspired,” Bishop said.

“Mrs. Carter has helped change the lives of thousands of homeowners, empowered countless women and inspired millions of people. Over the years, she has blessed us with her compassion for serving others and commitment to improving housing conditions,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International in a statement.

The Carter’s first volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity was in 1984 in Americus, Ga., according to a news release.

Habitat for Humanity named Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter as the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians in 2016 for, “...their extraordinary dedication to service in alignment with Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” according to the organizations website.

“It’s a sad day for this community, for this state, for this country in her passing,” said Wane Hailes, publisher of the Courier Eco Latino newspaper and former head of the Columbus NAACP.

“People believe that it’s always the person behind the person that really makes a significant difference in their lives,” Hailes said. “We do know that she had a significant impact on this community, on this state and on this country.”

Carter’s passing even elicited a response from the Atlanta Braves who posted a picture of Carter in a Braves hat.

“The Atlanta Braves are deeply saddened by the passing of humanitarian and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter and the entire Carter family,” the post read.