In the hallways of East Hall High School in 1959, Jimmy Faulkner and his future wife, Marie, kindled a love that defied the passing decades. For 63 years, their enduring bond weathered life’s storms, welcoming children and grandchildren — only to face its ultimate test in Marie’s heartbreaking struggle with dementia. Her tragic battle became the catalyst for a groundbreaking position, promising a more compassionate approach to patient and family care in northeast Georgia.
“The first time I spoke to her, she had no idea who I was,” recalled Jimmy with a laugh. “That was the beginning of a loving and wonderful romance.”
The high school sweethearts were married in 1964 and had two children, Melissa and Chris. Marie, who played sports throughout her childhood, continued her passion with a long career coaching women’s basketball. She was devoted to serving others — using her musical talents as a church musician and founding a preschool ministry group that continues to bless children today.
Then, Marie started forgetting things.
“Looking back, there were so many instances of odd behavior that I didn’t realize was her disease,” said Jimmy. “One of the first times I remember thinking something wasn’t right, we were traveling to watch our grandson play baseball, and Marie seemed lost and agitated by the new scenery.”
In 2017, Marie was diagnosed with dementia, a condition marked by a progressive decline in thinking skills and cognitive abilities. Over the next several years, the disease ravaged her mind until she no longer recognized her husband or children. Eventually, a fall that fractured her femur made it impossible for her to live without around-the-clock care.
“From that day forward, she never put her feet on the floor again,” said Jimmy. “I fed her myself, three meals a day until her death on December 16, 2022. It was a blessing to care for her, but for anyone who has been a long-term caregiver for a loved one, it is so hard — emotionally and psychologically hard.”
Family caregivers often manage behavior changes, medications, care transitions, and face difficult financial and legal decisions. Because of this intense burden, Jimmy wanted to honor Marie’s memory by helping others in similar situations receive the support they need.
Jimmy partnered with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), Sung Lee, MD — medical director for neurointerventional surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) — and the NGHS Foundation to help patients and their loved ones navigate the challenges of cognitive disorders. His generous gift funded a new role: the Cognitive Navigator for Neurology at NGMC, created in 2022.
Ashley Trammell, who holds the position, brings 20 years of bedside care in the Intensive Care Unit and invaluable experience with dementia patients. She now connects with more than 70 patients and caregivers each month as part of her caseload.
“It can be hard to understand and process what a dementia diagnosis means,” said Ashley. “Now, instead of the patient and family leaving with no resources and no specific person to talk to, they have me to help them navigate this complex journey.”
Ashley works with both pre-diagnosed and diagnosed patients to provide education, resources, and caregiver support.
“Every day I feel like I am helping in some small way,” she shared. “I might help families understand next steps in the care journey, or just be someone they can share their feelings, concerns, and fears with. I didn’t realize how much people needed to talk to someone before.”
“Nothing like that was available when Marie was first diagnosed,” said Jimmy. “I feel that we as people have a responsibility to those who will come after us. I had a wonderful life with my Marie and our children and grandchildren — I have been blessed. Therefore, I need to do things to help bless others.”
Interested in learning more about how you can leave a legacy at NGHS?
Visit nghs.com/foundation