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.

The nation paused to honor Jimmy Carter for his service as a naval officer, governor and president, and his four decades of humanitarian work after leaving the White House.

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.

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

Hundreds of mourners, including all five living current and former US presidents, have packed into Washington DC's National Cathedral to mourn former President Jimmy Carter. Fellow Democratic President Joe Biden presented a eulogy for the 39th president who died on December 29 at the age of 100.

The late President’s priorities were remarkably prescient, and his personal qualities offered a dismaying contrast to so much of the present state of American politics.

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