Jacklyn ‘Jackie’ Gise Bezos, mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and an early investor in the company, has died at 78 after a five-year battle with Lewy body dementia. Her death marks the passing of a pivotal family figure whose support helped launch one of history’s most influential businesses.
Jacklyn Gise was born in Chicago on January 1, 1947. At age 17, she gave birth to Jeffrey Preston Jorgensen (later Bezos) on January 12, 1964. Her first marriage to biological father Ted Jorgensen ended within a year. In 1968, she married Cuban immigrant Miguel Bezos, who adopted Jeff and gave him his surname. The family relocated to Houston where Miguel worked as an Exxon engineer.
Jackie played a crucial role in Amazon’s founding when she and Miguel invested $245,573 – nearly their entire life savings – into Jeff’s fledgling online bookstore in 1995. This high-risk investment, made from their retirement funds, demonstrated extraordinary faith in their son’s vision. The stake would eventually grow to be worth billions as Amazon revolutionized global commerce.
Beyond her Amazon connection, Jackie dedicated decades to education philanthropy. She co-founded the Bezos Scholars Program in 2005, providing leadership opportunities and college scholarships to underprivileged students. Her advocacy focused on empowering young people from marginalized communities, reflecting her belief in education as a transformative force.
Jackie died peacefully at her Miami home on August 14, 2025, surrounded by family. Her health had declined since her 2020 Lewy body dementia diagnosis, a progressive neurological disease affecting cognition and motor function. Jeff Bezos announced her passing in an emotional Instagram tribute, praising her lifelong generosity.
The Bezos family legacy continues through Jackie’s husband of 57 years, Miguel; her son Jeff; daughters Christina and Michelle; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorial arrangements remain private, though her influence persists through the Bezos Scholars Program and Amazon’s ongoing impact.
Her death resonates beyond business circles, highlighting dementia’s devastating toll. Lewy body dementia affects 1.4 million Americans but receives less attention than Alzheimer’s. Jackie’s battle underscores the urgent need for research into neurodegenerative diseases.
As the Bezos family mourns, Jackie’s legacy embodies quiet resilience – from teenage motherhood to visionary investing. Her story represents an often-overlooked chapter in Amazon’s origin: the family sacrifice that fueled a technological revolution.