Gloria Jean Pinkney Ambrose, 75, of Lake Charles passed away Saturday, January 12, 2013, with her family at her side. Born on December 31, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late William Raymond Pinkney and Sallie Fort Pinkney. She attended Ricard Elementary, St. Mary's Academy, Xavier University of New Orleans, Louisiana and Straight Business School of New Orleans. It was at Xavier that Gloria met the love of her life, Carl Murphy Ambrose. They were united in holy matrimony on November 19, 1960. To this union, three sons were born, Carl Jr., William Raymond and Wilton Eugene (twins).

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sallie Pinkney, and grandmother, Maggie Lockett.

Gloria is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-two years, Carl Murphy Ambrose, Sr.; three sons, Carl Jr., twins William and Wilton (Sylvia); two granddaughters, Le'Che' Monique Ambrose, Charde Angelic Ambrose, adopted granddaughter, Diseree Syas; brother-in-law, Billy Gene Ambrose; two nephews, Burt Anthony Ambrose, and Patrick Duran Ambrose; sister-in-law, Eva Mae Parker; her New Orleans brother, Adam D. Rosemore; a special Godchild, Rechelle Andrews, Fannye Pinkney Brown, Cheryl Brown, Louis Pinkney, Armand Pinkney, and Eugene Pinkney; and a host of other relatives and special friends.

- Academic Background -

St. Mary's Academy for Girls-New Orleans, Louisiana (1955); Business School, Straight Business School-New Orleans, Louisiana (Summer 1951-1952); Undergraduate—B.A. Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana (1959); Graduate Degree, M.Ed +30 hours—McNeese University, Lake Charles, Louisiana (1969).

Other Studies-Seminars:

National School Public Relations (Summer 1978-79); Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas (1971).

- Religious Activities -

Child Care Assistant – CCD Teacher, St. David Catholic Church, New Orleans, Louisiana; Sacred Heart Parish Council (1973-1978); President (1975-1978); Charter Member-First Woman appointee to West Deanery Pastoral Council, Diocese of Lafayette—appointment by Bishop Frey; appointed by Bishop Frey as First Woman to the Diocesan School Board for Diocese of Lafayette by Bishop Frey and Bishop Spreyer on the anniversary of the new diocese of Lake Charles; Member-Board of Directors-National Conference of Christian and Jews; Lector, Lay Minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Serra Club-First African American President.

- Clubs -

Secretary, St. Margaret's Parent-Teacher Club; First Woman President of St. Margaret's Parent-Teacher; Member, School Board-St. Margaret's School; Consultant to Parent-Teacher Clubs and Teacher In-service; Training: Immaculate Conception School; Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School; Sacred Heart School; St. Margaret's School; Member of Admissions Committee-St. Louis High School.

- Professional Experiences -

1959-1961 Orleans Parish School System; 1963-1970 Calcasieu Parish School System; 1970 appointed 1st African-American Supervisor in Calcasieu Parish; 1970-1975 Supervisor of Elementary Instruction Kindergarten Grade 6—All Subject Areas; 1975-1980 Supervisor of Community Relations, ESEA Title I—Parish Advisory Council; 1980-1992 Supervisor, ESEA Title I Mathematics.

- Civic and Organizational Activities -

Calcasieu Parish Headstart Member-Board of Directors; Policy Council, Consultant and Resource Person; Boys' Club of America-Board of Directors; Booster Club-Lake Charles High School; P.T.A. Reynaud Middle School Member; Booster Club-St. Louis High School; Calcasieu United Appeals Budget Committee-1979-1981; Lake Charles Mental Health Center Advisory Board Member; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Member-Past President; National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. (Doretha Combre Chapter); Governor's Conference-Louisiana: Priorities for the Future, November 1978; Board of Councilors-St. Patrick Hospital-Past Member; American Cancer Society-Calcasieu Parish Unit-Member Board of Directors; St. Patrick Hospital-Member, Board of Directors; American Red Cross, Calcasieu-Cameron Unit-Member, Board of Directors.

Gloria received numerous awards over her illustrious career. She served and helped many churches and clubs in the community, but the award she cherished and kept in highest esteem was the Papa Medal Benemerenti from Pope John Paul, II that was conferred on her at First Year Celebration of the Establishment of the Diocese of Lake Charles by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jude Spreyer, S.T.L. D.D.

Gloria was a 20 year Breast Cancer Survivor. She was truly remarkable. Gloria believed in working and giving and she will truly be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.