PLAINS, Ga. — On Wednesday, residents of Plains will join others coming near and far for a final day of remembrance for Rosalynn Carter. The first lady of Plains will be laid to rest following a funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church.
Ahead of the service, those who loved and cherished Mrs. Carter came out to Plains to pay their respects and to spend some time in the town she called home. Among them were Reagan Inman and her father Nicholas.
The Inmans have been traveling to Plains from Missouri for many years. It started with her father, and Reagan eventually joined him. They attended President Carter’s Sunday School service, among other activities in the 39th president’s hometown. But it was Rosalynn who made a lasting impact on young Reagan. The two connected over a love of butterflies and gardening.
“Mrs. Rosalynn and I, were considered butterfly friends,” said Reagan. “We would write back and forth and we would always talk about the butterflies and the Rosalynn Carter butterfly trail."
At just 15 years old, Reagan Inman is proof of Carter's legacy.
The former first lady was known as a “steel magnolia” in Washington for her kindness and drive to do important political work. Back home in Plains, after her time in Washington, Carter continued her work as a champion for mental health and caregiving. It was this work that resonated with Todd Shoemaker of Jupiter, Florida.
In 2019, Shoemaker says doctors told him he only had months to live. Shoemaker was diagnosed with cancer, Parkinson's disease, and myasthenia gravis. Now, four years later, Shoemaker is in Plains, paying his respects to someone doctors said he wouldn’t outlive. Rosalynn Carter’s passion and work with caregiving hits close to home.
“Mrs. Carter was a champion for caregivers because they get forgotten so many times in the journey. That was something important to me to make sure no one forgot about my wife,” said Shoemaker.
To Reagan, Carter is a hero -- just ask her dad Nicholas.
“When I told my daughter that Mrs. Carter had passed away she asked, how do you say goodbye to your hero?” Nicholas Inman said.
“I think she started a precedent for women in politics, just in general going to the cabinet meetings, she did it with such grace and class,” said Reagan
Rosalynn Carter is her hero, showing how the first lady’s work is inspiring a new generation to continue her legacy.
“From what I can see she thought -- well, why wouldn’t I be able to, I’m going to break ground and I’m going do this just like anyone else would,” said Reagan.