Travelers still showing up at Carter Center despite being closed for funeral preparations

Atlanta: As we remember former President Jimmy Carter, the timeline for public viewings and funeral arrangements is now available.

This Saturday, his body will be transported from Plains to Atlanta, where he’ll lie in repose at the Carter Center from Saturday night until early Tuesday morning.

Right now, the Carter Center and Presidential Library are closed, along with some nearby roads, as staff and police prepare for the weekend’s events.

But that hasn’t stopped folks from showing up to pay their respects.

“I thought it was really cool to see this memorial and how many people appreciated President Carter,” said student Nathan Adeomi.

Nathan, his mom, and younger brother took a road trip from Virginia for their school break, thinking it was a great time to visit the Carter Center just days after the former president passed away at 100.

They didn’t realize parts of John Lewis Freedom Parkway and Highland Street would be closed.

Nathan’s mom, Dr. Maimenut Adeomi, was eager to visit because she’s a physician focused on global health.

“We call President Carter the Chief Humanitarian of the United States. He did so much good around the world,” she shared.

She told Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes that the former president inspired her sons to aim high.

“It shows we can achieve great things, even from humble beginnings,” Nathan added.

Kelly Callahan, who has led the Center’s Tracomic Control Program for years, was asked about changes at the Carter Center now that President Carter is gone. She said not much will change.

“I’ve been here for 28 years. We’re focused on eliminating human suffering and building hope. Jason Carter will lead us into the future,” she explained.

Callahan recalled a presentation she gave years ago about why she works at the Center, ending it with the Beatles song “All You Need Is Love.”

The memory of President Carter and Rosalyn dancing to that tune will always be cherished.