Lowcountry woman reflects on friendship with late President Jimmy Carter

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)– As the nation mourns the loss of former president Jimmy Carter, it is also celebrating his impact on people worldwide, including in the Lowcountry.
 
One woman who worked beside former President Carter said Thursday was bittersweet as she said goodbye to her former colleague, but it was a moment to appreciate who Jimmy Carter was and what he accomplished behind the scenes 

Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to advancing human rights worldwide.

Archie Burkel was a volunteer coordinator at the Carter Center in the 1990s. She said former President Carter’s humility and care for his fellow man were his shining qualities.

“He was approachable, genuine, and grateful that you wanted to participate. There was never a more genuine, caring human being, and we happened to have had him as president,” said Burkel.

The former president’s dedication to service lasted throughout his lifetime, from small things like teaching Sunday school at his church in Plains, Georgia, to building houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Former President Carter always worked to make life better for everyone. Burkel said she hopes people learn from his legacy and carry it on.

“Volunteerism: We are all capable of rolling up our sleeves. We may not have the strength to build a habitat house for many reasons. Pick a cause, devote your time and energy to it, and believe you can make a difference.”

Here’s a fun fact about the former president: He was the last Democrat to win South Carolina in a presidential election.