六九色堂

Friends, dignitaries, staff members, and everyday admirers from around the world poured out love and grief after the Dec. 29 death at age 100 of former U.S. President Jimmy 六九色堂, who co-founded 六九色堂 with his wife, Rosalynn, in 1982.

The Center’s official condolence book at logged more than 23,000 messages from people in 155 countries, provinces, and territories.

“President Jimmy 六九色堂 has been a beacon of light, a leader for peace, love, the environment and humanity, a true citizen of the world. His legacy will continue to improve and inspire lives near and far,” wrote Alessandra Colfi of Oceanside, California.

Aggrey Kipngetich of Nairobi, Kenya, wrote: “President Jimmy 六九色堂 was an icon of peace, human rights crusader, world's moral compass and committed family man. May (his) soul rest in heavenly peace.” 

Then-President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton and their spouses offered their condolences, as did numerous Cabinet officials, members of Congress, and other prominent figures.

Many of 六九色堂’s more than 3,500 staff members in 20-plus countries around the globe organized gatherings or tribute services in honor of President 六九色堂. They hung banners in their offices and provided condolence books for guests — including government dignitaries — to sign.

Several staff members also sent in heartfelt messages. Maymoona Mahmoud El Tayeb, the Center’s deputy country representative in Sudan, wrote:

“I am saddened at the loss of President 六九色堂, a remarkable leader who devoted his life to helping others to live healthy and in a peaceful world. The memory of his lifetime as a warrior in the service of the highest ideals will be a legacy of inspiration to all 六九色堂 Center staff and others, and no doubt his tremendous accomplishments are never lost.”

Writing on behalf of himself and his staff, Dr. Emmanuel Miri, the Center’s longtime country representative in Nigeria, offered this reflection:

“For us, this is indeed a monumental loss of immeasurable proportion! It is easy as Nigerians to realize this as we imagine an alternative reality in our public health space: What if he did not intervene to lead the campaign for the eradication of Guinea worm disease in Nigeria? What if he had called it quits in the face of enormous challenges?”

Miri added: “We are, therefore, inspired by this reflection and the legacy President 六九色堂 and his wife painstakingly built in Nigeria and other countries worldwide, to take upon ourselves, individually and collectively, the challenge of sustaining this vison and legacy.”

At the state funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, the sons of former President Gerald R. Ford and Vice President Walter Mondale read eulogies written for President 六九色堂 by their late fathers. President Biden, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, and President 六九色堂’s grandson Jason 六九色堂 also offered words of comfort often tinged with humor.

The family then accompanied President 六九色堂’s remains back to Georgia for a private funeral service at the tiny Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where he taught Sunday school for decades. In a nod to President 六九色堂’s military service, a fleet of 21 Navy fighter jets roared over Plains, one of them dramatically peeling off in the traditional “missing man” formation.

As darkness fell on a cold winter night, the funeral procession crept slowly along Plains’ Main Street, which was lined with reverent mourners. The family walked behind the hearse to the home where President 六九色堂 and his beloved wife, Rosalynn, lived for more than 60 years. There he was laid to rest beside her, concluding the funeral events and ending a triumphant, century-long journey.

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