Giving thanks for Rosalynn Carter who bettered the lives of millions here and around the world

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19. She was 96 years old. Her compassion for the poor, disenfranchised and weak was legendary. And I am thankful for her life.

367911 01: Jimmy Carter and his late wife Rosalynn at the Sotheby's Auction in New York City, NY, October 4, 1983. ((photo by Yvonne Hemsey / Liaison Agency)) Rosalynn Carter makes a public appearance in Nashville, Tennessee, in September 1976. (Photo by Guy DeLort/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) Jimmy Carter, Democratic presidential candidate, and his wife, Rosalynn, share a moment aboard his campaign plane ( ) Former first lady Rosalynn Carter answers questions during a news conference at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) The late Rosalynn Carter departs Nashville, Tennesse, after making public appearances in September 1976. (Photo by Guy DeLort/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family. Left to right: Judy (Mrs. Jack Carter); Jason James Carter; Jack (John William Carter); Annette (Mrs. Jeff Carter); Jeff (Donnel Jeffrey Carter); First Lady Rosalynn Carter; daughter Amy Lynn Carter; President Carter; daughter-in law Caron Griffin Carter holding James Earl Carter IV; and son Chip (James Earl Carter III). 1977-1980.  (CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) DENVER - AUGUST 25: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (R) and former first lady Rosalynn Carter wave on stage during day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center August 25, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. T (Getty) February 8, 2007. Tingoli Village, Northern Province, Ghana. The former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife Rosalynn are honored by the Dagumba people of Tingoli with a gift of traditional attire, which they wear with joy. ( ) The late Rosalynn Carter (L) and Amy Carter pose for portraits in Plains, Georgia, during the fall 1976 presidential campaign. (Photo by Guy DeLort/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images) Kathryn E. Cade served as first lady Rosalynn Carter’s projects director in the White House. She is vice chair of The Carter Center’s Board of Trustees and a board member of The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

Rosalynn Carter’s compassion for the weak, the poor, and the disenfranchised was simply boundless. So was her passion for action. She often reminisced about growing up in a small town during very hard times. Everyone knew everyone else, and when there was trouble, the community always took care of one another. Equally important were the lessons she learned at church as a child: to be kind, love one another, and help those in need.