Chief steward on Air Force 1, childhood neighbor remember Rosalynn Carter

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — Rosalynn Carter died at the age of 96 on Sunday, but her impact she made on people is still being felt. Some of those people she impacted, live here in Brunswick County.

Jeff Moss, grew up in the small town of Plains, Georgia. Not a whole lot was going on but he did have one thing; living next to the Carter family.

“My dad was a peanut scientist and President Carter as you all know was a peanut farmer. So, the Carters were family friends, they live near us,” Moss said.

Moss says the Carter family was very kind and just like any other family. Moss added that Rosalynn was one of the sweetest ladies he had ever met. When it comes to the impact she made as first lady, it’s long standing Moss said.

“She was a very smart, tough lady and she stood up for people. I mean she worked very hard on mental illness, women’s rights, children.”

When she wasn’t on the ground, she was in the air. That’s where 18-year Chief Steward of Air Force 1 Howie Franklin came in. He flew with Rosalynn many times in the air and it was his job to assist to her need and it led to a friendship.

“First of all I saw her working hard and dedication. She became very comfortable at the same time, that’s not usually a mix that you see. A hard worker and very comfortable in what she does and how she does it,” Franklin said.

Despite their great friendship and respect for one another, Franklin said there was an admittedly funny but embarrassing moment during that time.

“So I go to stand behind this gracious, southern, gentile lady and I hold her coat. She slid, kind of fought her way down in the coat and hit me right in the groin…..you could imagine,” Franklin chuckled.

Franklin said the next time he helped Rosalynn with her coat, she told him “Dont worry, this is a caped coat,” as they shared a laugh together.