Celebrating the Legacy of Selena Graham: The Heart Behind the Memory Care Foundation.

The Memory Care Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Selena Graham, the matriarch who inspired our creation. Born on April 8, 1944, in eastern North Carolina, Selena, affectionately known as Granny, lived a life defined by love, strength, and compassion. As the eldest of ten children, she quickly learned the importance of family, responsibility, and resilience—qualities that shaped her journey through life and guides our work today. In the 1960’s, Selena and her childhood friend, Willie Graham, married and shared a special bond that blossomed into a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three children—Sharon, Warren, and Rhonda—and becoming the proud grandparents of four. Selena’s warmth extended beyond her immediate family, as she remained deeply rooted in her community and church, where she served as secretary. After her husband’s passing, she was appointed to his seat on the local town council, continuing her legacy of service.

For many years, Selena worked as an administrative assistant at Carolina Power & Light (now Duke Energy Progress), balancing her career with her commitment to her family and community. Though her life was rich with joy and love, she faced a devastating challenge when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006. After her diagnosis, Selena moved to Raleigh to live with her eldest daughter, Sharon, a current board member of the Memory Care Foundation, who became one of her primary caregivers, alongside her sister, our Executive Director, Rhonda.

Selena passed away on May 17, 2018, at the age of 74, but her legacy lives on. She may no longer be with us physically, but her spirit continues to guide us in our mission to provide care, hope, and compassion to individuals and families navigating the complex and often heart-wrenching journey of memory loss. We are driven by the same love and determination that Selena exemplified throughout her life. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity,
there is strength to be found in community, family, and care. In celebrating Selena’s life, we also celebrate the countless families who are on similar journeys—families who can find solace in knowing they are not alone.