Jimmy Carter's funeral begins with hike to his childhood home in Atlanta

The weeklong state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 last week, began Saturday morning. The ceremonies will honor Carter's journey from his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to his esteemed role on the global humanitarian stage and as the 39th U.S. president.

Saturday morning, individuals gathered in downtown Plains to lay flowers at the base of the Carter monument. The tribute also included Habitat for Humanity hard hats adorned with handwritten messages, including one that read, “God bless you, Mr. President,” USA Today first reported.

The precise cause of his death on December 29 was unclear. Carter's death follows the death of his wife Rosalynn on November 19, 2023. She died at the age of 96 with her family by her side at the Carter home in Plains, just days after being admitted to hospice care.

JIMMY CARTER, 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DEAD AT 100

Former and current U.S. Secret Service agents assigned to the Carter Detail move the flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Ga., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Carter was the oldest living president.

US President Jimmy Carter announces new sanctions against Iran in retaliation for the taking of American hostages, Washington, DC, United States, photo by Marion S. Trikosko, April 7, 1980. (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Here is the order of the funeral:

Saturday January 4:

•10:15 a.m.: The Carter family will arrive at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Nine current and former Secret Service agents from the Carter administration will serve as pallbearers and escort his remains to the hearse.

•10:50 a.m.: The procession will cross the Plains, stopping briefly at Carter's childhood home in Archery. During this break, the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times, symbolizing Carter's tenure as the 39th president.

•10:55 a.m.: The journey to Atlanta will begin.

FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER TO SPEND 'REMAINING TIME' AT HOME RECEIVING HOSPICE CARE

Carter steps off the plane upon landing at Havana International Airport on March 28, 2011. (ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP via Getty Images)

•3:00 p.m.: Upon arrival in Atlanta, the motorcade will stop at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence led by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and members from Georgia. General assembly.

Current and retired Georgia State Patrol troopers will gather on the steps of the Capitol, while those who served in Carter's security detail during his tenure as governor will occupy a place of distinction.

Tom Chaffin of Atlanta leaves flowers at the entrance to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Atlanta. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

•3:45 p.m.: An arrival ceremony will take place at the Carter Presidential Center.

•4 p.m.: A private service will be held in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

•7:00 p.m.: President Carter will lie in state at the Carter Presidential Center, allowing the public to pay their respects until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

A jar of peanuts is among the items left in tribute to former President Jimmy Carter at the entrance to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Atlanta. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Subsequent services:

•Jan. 7: President Carter's remains will be transported to Washington, DC, where he will lie in state at the United States Capitol for a national tribute.

•Jan. 9: A state funeral service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral, with President Joe Biden scheduled to deliver the eulogy. Biden declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning.

JIMMY CARTER EXPECTED TO BE IN ROTUNDA BEFORE BIDEN'S PLANNED STATE FUNERAL

Carter appears on the ABC News television series “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” for his new book “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety.” (Ida Mae Astute/American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

•After the service in Washington, Carter's remains will return to Georgia for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter will then be laid to rest next to his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, at their residence.

Andrea Magolis of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.