B

As certified dietary manager for the last 32 years at The Heritage Center, Kimberly McMillan made lots of friends and acquaintances over the years.

It was McMillan’s turn to be feted Wednesday afternoon as she concluded her career at The Heritage Center with a retirement ceremony.

McMillan was presented with a plaque honoring her years of service by Life Care Centers of America Regional Vice President Robert Breeden. Also, the private dining room for staff members was renamed in McMillan’s honor.

“Her leadership will be felt here for a number of years to come,” Breeden said. “I can’t tell you the enjoyment I’ve had in working with this lady. My favorite thing was when I called her and asked what was for lunch. She said, ‘Well, I don’t know.’ I was to the point that I started expecting that. Through all the stresses she’s been through, I’ve never seen anyone keep their cool while they were falling apart inside the way she has.

“I can tell you the one thing about Kim, she genuinely cares about the residents,” he said. “She made sure they had what they needed, three meals a day, snacks and so forth. She also really cared about her staff. I thank Kim for the Christ-like example she has set.”

Breeden classified McMillan as a leader, in not just food service, but in care for the residents.

“This is a special place,” he said. “In starting out at this building when I came here in January, 2007, the leadership that’s in this building, the years of leadership and service, I don’t just mean department heads or supervisors, I’m talking the entire staff. The number of folks that we have more than 20 years of experience, I consider that leadership. We have many folks in this category, from certified nursing assistants to housekeeping, dietary, nurses, therapists, you name it. These folks have been dedicated to the residents and the city of Morristown.”

Breeden said that as time goes on and changes have been made, he’s had to watch many of the leaders move on to their next stops in life.

“The majority of these have been in retirement,” he said. “These last few years, a number of these folks have moved on. It becomes a bittersweet thing. We are happy for those who move on to the next phase and chapter in their lives and leave behind a lasting legacy.”

Human Resources Director Nancy Harmon said there are tangible rewards for working with people for a long time.

“The rewards for growing and cultivating a work family are intangible, priceless, irreplaceable and unmatched,” Harmon said. “You will always be family to me. When we think of the number of people in our lives that we can truly trust, it’s likely to be a short list of names. I’m proud to say that Kim is on my short list. You are a true and trustworthy friend and you will forever be near and dear to my heart. I sincerely say thank you for being in my world, for making a difference, for your wisdom, for being so thoughtful, for just being there, for seeing the silver lining when I couldn’t. For your warmth, kindness and caring demeanor, for sharing your thoughts, for your inspiration, encouragement and support, for your faith, talent and wonderful work, for your leadership, principles and the example you live and work by. For your character, spirit, honesty, your helping hand, for spreading joy, your big heart and lastly, thank you for the memories and just being you.”

McMillan’s daughter, Sierra Barnett, who lives in Nashville, spoke for the family. Evan, McMillan’s son, lives in Rogersville.

“I’ll try not to cry,” Barnett said. “My brother Evan and I literally grew up in the halls here. She is a single mom and I’m so proud of her. You talk about an example of hard work and dedication, in rain, snow, ice, and this woman shows up because she has to and because she wants to. She could have called out so many times. That is hard work and that’s what she instilled in us.”

Sierra and Evan thanked the facility’s employees for their kindness over the years.

“You’re just so kind and you showed up for her when she needed it,” Barnett said. “She spent a lot of time in these halls with these beautiful faces. You guys are an amazing team. You guys do a lot of work others don’t want to do because you care. You’re holding on and helping our ancestors to live a happy, comfortable life. That is big-hearted work.”

McMillan thanked everyone for the honors.

“Life Care (Centers of America) is a good place to work,” she said. “There’s been times when I’ve been aggravated, but after I got here, I was ready to roll with whatever came my way. (My children) were just babies when I started here, ages three and five. It’s been good for me. I’ve had a good 32 years. All in all, it was great. Met a lot of good people and residents. If you’re dissatisfied working here, you need to think about the people that you work with because that’s what it’s all about.”

The family, staff and friends were treated to a luncheon after the ceremony.