PLAINS, Ga. — Efforts to honor Rosalynn Carter have become a passion project for one Plains resident.
Tim Buchanan is a distant cousin of the Carters who helped develop the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Garden on the property next to the former first lady’s family home. It’s a place where Carter’s passion for butterflies lives on.
“She meant a lot to all of us,” Buchanan said. “Beautiful lady. Very gracious.”
The garden is connected to the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail that runs through the town of Plains.
“The town wanted it for her,” Buchanan said. “It was more about doing something for her. Everything in Plains had his (former President Jimmy Carter) name attached to it. Honoring her. It’s all about Rosalynn.”
Plains has taken on a different look in the hours since Rosalynn Carter’s passing. Christmas decorations go up in one area while the flags nearby are lowered to half-staff.
Buchannan gets emotional when discussing Jimmy and Rosalynn’s impact on this town.
“The world knows them and really them coming back to Plains kept Plains relevant and has added to our history,” said Buchanan.
Rosalynn Carter inspired Buchanan to return to Plains after he retired from a career in education. Her legacy of giving drew him back.
“I knew what I wanted to do,” Buchanan said. “I wanted to work here and do more for this community and be the next generation that gives.”
Rosalynn Carter gave so much to the people of her hometown and many more far beyond. Now, Plains is giving back to her, remembering the beautiful heart that graced this town with a spirit as gentle as a butterfly.