In a serendipitous twist of fate, Lillian Carter, Jimmy Carter’s mother, played a pivotal role in her son’s love story before it even began. In the summer of 1927, Lillian, a skilled nurse and midwife, delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith — who would be known as Rosalynn — next door. She then introduced 3-year-old Jimmy to the newborn, unknowingly setting the stage for what would become a 77-year marriage.
Lillian’s dedication to health care was extraordinary and, at times, a source of unease for young Jimmy. In rural Georgia, she often worked exhausting 20-hour days for $6 day. But it was always a source of pride: Her commitment to service transcended racial and socioeconomic barriers; she treated African American patients and, recognizing her patients’ financial constraints, often accepted eggs, chickens or firewood as payment. Her career as a nurse imparted invaluable lessons of compassion and community service to Jimmy, principles that would shape his future.
The influence between mother and son was reciprocal. Jimmy taught Lillian about a world beyond Georgia, inspiring her to embrace a global perspective. In 1966, at the age of 66, Lillian joined the Peace Corps, serving as a health volunteer in Godrej Colony, India, about 30 miles from Mumbai. Her remarkable service at an advanced age inspired the creation of “The Lillian Carter Award,” now given by the Peace Corps to honor volunteers who serve at age 50 or above.
Lillian Carter’s life story, from her early days as a nurse and midwife to her later Peace Corps service, paints a portrait of a woman wholly dedicated to service, health care and cross-cultural understanding. Her influence extended far beyond her immediate community, shaping not only her family’s future but also, indirectly, the nation’s. Indeed, the story of Jimmy Carter is inextricably linked to that of his remarkable mother.