Gloria Jean Gibbons
Mother of TV's Leeza Gibbons

Gloria Jean Gibbons, 72, who inspired her daughter Leeza to create a
nonprofit organization that supports patients with Alzheimer's disease
and their caregivers, died May 22 [2008] at the Lowman Home Nursing
Center in White Rock, South Carolina, after a long battle with the
degenerative disease.

The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation was set up by the television
personality in 2002, about three years after her mother's illness was
diagnosed.

The organization works to provide better care, education and support
for those affected by the disease, which is marked by the
deterioration of brain cells.

The foundation now runs seven centers across the country, including
Circle of Care Leeza's Place in Sherman Oaks and Assistance League
Leeza's Place in Hollywood.

Known as Jean, the elder Gibbons recorded public service announcements
urging those with Alzheimer's to be honest about their affliction and
to seek help.

She was born Gloria Jean Dyson on March 26, 1936, in Summerton, South
Carolina, and married Carlos Gibbons, who became state superintendent
of education. Together they raised three children.

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-passings31-2008may31,0,5...