Maranatha Baptist Church commemorated Rosalynn Carter’s birthday on August 18. Kim Fuller, former President Jimmy Carter’s niece, gave the Sunday School lesson.

Fuller told how the apostle Paul was physically unassuming, yet lived out his convictions, unlike many who will talk but do not live out what they say. She contrasted that with her aunt’s willingness to actively help others. “She was a caregiver. She was someone who felt that people needed to come out of those little dark corners of the room, because they had mental illness. It was time to step out, and their family to say ‘it’s okay.’”

Fuller talked about the effort Rosalynn Carter dedicated to the Carter Center along with her husband in order to irradicate Guinea worms.

In addition to her accomplishments, Fuller also shared a personal memory of Rosalynn Carter. “My most poignant memory happened just a year ago in August, during butterfly days, dedicated entirely to her.”

She talked about celebrating Butterfly Day at the Carter’s home. “This past year, I took several butterflies wrapped in origami envelopes to the house, and both she and Uncle Jimmy, along with family and caregivers, had their own butterfly release in the garden, the same garden where she rests today.”

Fuller recalled her aunt’s reaction. “I will never forget the day she released butterflies, out of tiny origami envelopes. She watched them land on her hand, and then she started shewing them away, to make sure that they would fly wherever they were meant to go.”

Jimmy Carter’s reaction also gained a place in her memory. “Uncle Jimmy had them landing on his hand, and the last thing he did was he kissed one, to make it go.”

Fuller shared Rosalynn Carter’s reaction after she told her of all the people who had come to release butterflies in her honor. “Really? They’re downtown for me?”

Fuller replied; “of course. This entire weekend is for you, because of the love that people have for you.”

Fuller gave her conclusion from the example of her aunt’s life. “We all can aspire to be servant leaders.”

Pianist David Osbourne also performed in honor of Rosalynn Carter, playing It is Well with my Soul. Singer-songwriter Andrew Greer also performed Butterfly, Fly, a piece he co-wrote in honor of Rosalynn Carter.

Pastor Ashley Guthas addressed the congregation. “We are honoring the life and legacy of Roselyn Carter, a woman that I never had the opportunity to meet, and yet I have seen her radiant spirit this weekend in the eyes of each and every Saint Genevieve student, their leaders and their chaperones, in the eyes of the Georgia Southwestern students, as they have served at the food distribution this weekend, I felt Rosalynn’s warmth as I watched people embrace one another with hugs of reunion and reminiscence, I have been served a huge taste of what it must have been like to be in the presence of, and loved, by a true steel magnolia.”

She talked of the example Rosalynn Carter set. “The more that I learn about Rosalynn, the more that I know, concretely, that I am here, in Maranatha Baptist Church, as a woman, as a pastor, because of Rosalynn’s influence, and because of the way that she paved this course for women to be in places that had previous been excluded from us.”

The choir Valiant Voices, from St. Genevieve, performed There’s Something about that Name, Morning has Broken, and Let there be Peace on Earth. The choir was directed by Peter Avendano. Patrick Guzman, alumni from the class of 2010, shared his experiences at St. Genevieve’s. “I’ve been at St. Genevieve’s since first grade, and I started working there a year after graduation.”

He told how the choir had come to Plains. “I was one of the first groups of the choir to actually come and sing for, I think, Mr. Jimmy’s 83rd birthday. We just kept coming back singing and performing for both of their birthdays and the people of Plains just welcomed us with open arms.”

Guzman talked about how Rosalynn Carter had formed a connection with the school. “Our principle actually, Mr. Dan Horn, started his relationship with Miss Rosalynn through a letter and ever since then, he’s been invited back to Plains, and he started to bring students to learn about the Carter’s, Mr. Jimmy and Miss Rosalynn. Now its just been on ongoing relationship. Plains is our second home for St. Genevieve. It’s just always a pleasure to come back and visit and to see the people of Plains and to celebrate the Carters.”

Leah Hurst, a 12th grade student in the choir, talked about performing in Maranatha Baptist church. “It was very nice.” She mentioned she appreciated the energy in the sanctuary. “It’s very solemn. I can appreciate that.”

Hurst recounted prior performances. “We performed during one of the events they had back at Plains high school for Rosalynn, and also yesterday, right here, actually for another event.”

She shared her appreciation for the experience. “I love how much they honor Rosalynn here, and how much they commemorate her. I think you can really feel the love in the community.”

Phillip Natividad, also in the 12th grade, described his experience. “I really enjoyed being here in Georgia, because everyone here is so kind.”

He talked about his connection to Plains. “Also, I feel like I’m part of the town, almost.” Natividad talked about performing in Maranatha. “I really like singing, so singing in front of people here of Plains Georgia, it just makes me feel accomplished and very honored to sing for Rosalynn and for her family and for her friends.”

Afterward, cake was served in honor of Rosalynn Carter’s birthday. Students from the choir broke out in song on several occasions, captivating visitors and congregants alike.