Former President Jimmy Carter Honored with State Funeral, Grandchildren Reflect on Sunday School Legacy

By GH Newsroom

ATLANTA, GA — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, remembered not only for his leadership but also for his lifelong dedication to teaching Sunday school, was laid to rest on January 9 in a solemn state funeral filled with scripture and heartfelt tributes. Among those sharing memories was his grandson, Josh Carter, who highlighted the former president’s remarkable commitment to sharing the Bible across decades.

Jimmy Carter Memorial Service
Former President Jimmy Carter Honored with State Funeral at Washington National Cathedral on January 9

“My grandfather began teaching Sunday school when he was a midshipman at the Naval Academy,” Josh Carter said during his eulogy. “From World War II through the COVID-19 pandemic, he taught every Sunday, no matter where life took him.”

A Legacy of Faith and Service

The memorial service, attended by dignitaries, family, and admirers from across the nation, painted a vivid picture of Carter’s spiritual devotion. Josh Carter recalled how his grandfather’s Sunday school classes at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, drew diverse audiences eager to hear his teachings.

“Every time I attended church with him, the pews were packed,” Josh reminisced. “He always started by asking if there were any first-time visitors. Almost every hand in the room would go up, as people traveled from all over to join the class.”

Carter’s Sunday school sessions, Josh explained, were not merely about scripture. They were a space where the former president openly shared personal milestones and challenges, from navigating international peace efforts to grieving the loss of loved ones. “When my brother Jeremy passed away, he announced it during Sunday school. Even on that heartbreaking Sunday, he showed up to teach,” Josh recounted.

Championing the Poor and Pursuing Peace

A recurring theme in Carter’s teachings was his deep concern for global inequality. “He often said the most pressing issue in the world was the growing divide between the rich and the poor,” Josh said, noting that his grandfather frequently cited both biblical passages and modern examples to inspire action.

Carter’s legacy of service extended far beyond the pulpit. From building homes for the homeless with Habitat for Humanity to eradicating diseases in underserved regions, Carter lived out his faith. “He always acted out of love for others,” Josh said. “His mission was simple: to worship the Prince of Peace and follow His commands.”

A Final Lesson of Hope

Josh concluded his tribute with one of his grandfather’s favorite Bible passages, Romans 8:1–18 and 38–39:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As the service ended, mourners were left with a message of hope, resilience, and faith—hallmarks of Carter’s life and legacy.

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