From Heartbreak to Hope:
Milner’s Southern American Restaurant Becomes a Memory Maker for People Living with Dementia
For many families, receiving an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis presents one of the greatest challenges they can imagine. It brings fear of the unknown, uncertainty about the future, and endless questions about how life will change—and how soon. Families grapple with knowing that dementia will alter one of the most important people in their lives, but not knowing exactly how. Will their brilliance fade? Their humor? Their loving nature or unique talents? The sense of uncertainty and helplessness can feel overwhelming.
Facing the journey is hard. But knowing you don’t have to face it alone makes a difference. Families walk beside their loved ones, and in turn, find the support they need through places like the Senior Services Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center. This is a reality countless families know well, and one the Milner family lived, after husband and father Dr. Thomas (Tommy) H. Milner III was diagnosed in 2017 with major cognitive impairment, most likely due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Their experience—and the support they received through the Williams Center—inspired Tommy’s sons, Buddy (left) and John (right), co-owners of Milner’s American Southern Restaurant, to step up as the Memory Maker Presenting Sponsor of the 25th annual Evening for Alzheimer’s Care.
A Family’s Journey
Like many families, the Milners were shocked by the diagnosis.
Buddy, the oldest son, recalls, “Dad was a brilliant, funny, sensitive man who made friends easily and loved spending time with his family. When I first heard about his diagnosis, part of me thought, well, that explains the changed behavior. But mostly, what I felt was fear.”
The family’s challenges deepened as the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with Tommy’s decline. His wife and primary caregiver, Geri, struggled to balance caring for him while managing their household. Eventually, the demands became overwhelming. “When I realized I couldn’t leave him alone—not even to run to the grocery store—I knew I needed help. It felt like the whole world had shut down and there would be no support available,” she said. “But then I got a phone call from the Williams Center. They said, ‘We’re going to change the way we work.’”
“When I realized I couldn’t leave him alone—not even to run to the grocery store—I knew I needed help. It felt like the whole world had shut down and there would be no support available, but then I got a phone call from the Williams Center. They said, ‘We’re going to change the way we work.’” -Geri
At the height of the pandemic, the Williams Center had to briefly close its doors and staff quickly pivoted to provide in-home respite care to families in our community, including the Milners.
For Geri, that support was life-changing, and she was grateful to have it. “The Williams Center is a gift to our community. I was so impressed by how they adapted and still met people’s needs.” The Williams Center staff’s professionalism, dedication, and expertise in caring for Tommy comforted her. “They knew how to handle challenging situations and how to redirect [when needed].”
Their visits didn’t just bring relief—they brought joy. Staff made sure Tommy stayed active and engaged. One day, Geri walked in to find him “chair dancing” with two aides to Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”. Another day, she came home to discover him on the driveway with his portable putting green, teaching them how to putt. “The smile on my face was just incredible because he was doing what he loved to do!” Geri said.
Honoring a Legacy
Buddy emphasizes how much Tommy and Geri’s support made Milner’s possible. Sponsoring the Evening for Alzheimer’s Care feels like a natural way to honor his father and give back. “It’s a tribute to Dad and a way to thank the Williams Center for the care they gave him,” he said.
As heartbreaking as the journey was, Buddy says it also gave him unexpected gifts, “I used to fear being around people who were sick. But Dad taught me how to just be in the moment with someone who is struggling—mentally, medically, or both. Being with him at the end, without fear, was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
He hopes the sponsorship helps spark more conversations and helps others in the community. “It’s an opportunity to break down barriers, maybe stigmas, to talk about it more, and hopefully soften the blow and maybe make it easier for people to learn how to live with dementia in their family.”
Geri, now a geriatric care manager supporting families living with dementia, echoes that sentiment. “You have to live in the moment, because that’s where your loved one is—and you have to meet them there.” She’s proud that her family restaurant is honoring Tommy’s memory and supporting the Williams Center.
“The Evening for Alzheimer’s Care is an opportunity to educate people, share stories, and donate to help families who may not have the resources. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and thrive. That’s what the Williams Center does—it helps people thrive. For families like ours, knowing these services exist is priceless.”
A Night to Remember
This year’s Evening for Alzheimer’s Care dinner and silent auction is especially meaningful. Not only is it the 25th anniversary of the event, but it also marks the 50th anniversary of the award-winning Senior Services adult day services program. Funds raised will provide scholarships for individuals living with memory loss and/or frailty to attend the Williams Adult Day Center, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial need.
Friday, October 17, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness
114 W. 30th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
For questions, contact:
Sarah Wright, Director of Giving and Events
swright@seniorservicesinc.org or 336-721-3411
