PLAINS, Ga. — One shop in Plains, Georgia, has morphed into a meeting ground for those hoping to grab a token of Rosalynn Carter's memory.
The former first lady and advocate for mental health care died Sunday at 96 years old.
Plains Trading Post is a tourist destination and political memorabilia shop in the Carters' hometown. People are stopping by to pay homage to the former first lady and share the memories they have of her.
Philip Kurland, the shopkeeper, along with his wife for Ramona, own the Post. He said he is constantly amazed at all the people coming in from everywhere to tell him they'd once met Rosalynn Carter.
"It's just incredible that there are little acts of kindness that me or you might not even think about, or even notice, have meant major differences," he said of people's memories with 'Georgia's First Lady.'
Kurland said Mrs. Carter loved to browse through the store, talking politics and telling him her personal stories about some of the politicians on display.
Stories he can't repeat in full.
Her humor, he said, her kindness, simply uplifted all those around her.
"She's always going to be alive in Plains. Her spirit will always be alive here," he said.
On the same token, she should serve as inspiration.
"We need to take the torch and be a little better person and do something. Don't say, 'I'm going to be a better person.' Actually, do something to be kind," he said.