Gloria Marie James biography: Who is LeBron James’s mother?

Gloria Marie James biography: Who is LeBron James’s mother?

Ciku Njuguna
updated at May 10, 2023 at 5:13 AM

Looking at LeBron James' life, fans and aspiring athletes will agree that adversity is the catalyst for greatness. One individual stood with King James and moulded him into one of the world's best athletes. Dig in here and find out who LeBron James' mother, Gloria Marie James is.

How old was LeBron's mother when she had him?
Gloria Marie James pictured during a Mother's Day photoshoot. Photo by @gloriajames.
Source: Getty Images

Who is LeBron James' mother and father? Much is not known about his father, but his mother is regularly seen by his side. This article will dive deep into the life of Gloria Marie James.

Profile summary

Full name

Gloria Marie James

Nickname

Glo

Gender

Female

Date of birth

4th February 1968

Age

55 years as of May 2023

Zodiac sign

Aquarius

Place of birth

Akron, Ohio, USA

Residence

Akron

Nationality

American

Ethnicity

African-American

Religion

Christian

Sexuality

Straight

Height in feet and inches

5'5''

Height in centimetres

165

Weight in pounds

180.7

Weight in kilograms

82

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Brown

Mother

Freda M. James Howard

Siblings

2

Marital status

Single

Children

1

Net worth

$2 million

Social media

Instagram

Biography

Gloria was born on the 4th of February 1968 in Akron, Ohio, in the United States of America. Her mother, Freda M. James Howard, was an anchor for her daughter, who became a teenage mom quite early. Much is not known about Gloria's father.

Gloria Marie James' family

Gloria has two siblings, Terry and Curt James. Freda, her mother, worked as a hairdresser and was known in the community as a 'giving woman.'

Unfortunately, on the 25th of December 1987, she died of a heart attack. Around the same time, the family lost their great-grandmother, fondly known as Big Ma.

How old is Gloria Marie James?

She is 55 years old as of May 2023. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius.

When is  Gloria Marie James' birthday?
Gloria James was pictured laughing during a timeout in the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals match between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, in June 2011. Photo by Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service.
Source: Getty Images

What nationality is Gloria James?

Gloria Marie James is American. She is of African- American descent.

How old was LeBron's mom when she had LeBron?

Gloria Marie James gave birth to her son, LeBron, at 16. Before her untimely demise, Freda offered a steadying hand for the young mother and her son. At the time of the family matriarch's death, Gloria was 19 years old.

Was LeBron James raised by a single mother?

Details of LeBron's biological father remain unknown. He was raised single-handedly by Gloria, his mother. However, the two were frequently helped by family and friends who helped make ends meet.

Following the death of Freda, the family soon lost their home and were taken in temporarily by their neighbour, Wanda Reaves. Their stay with Reaves lasted several months before they moved in with cousins, friends, and brother.

When LeBron turned nine, his natural talent in sports was evident to anyone watching, including Bruce Kelker, a local football coach. In an effort to grow LeBron's talent in a safe and stable environment, he offered his home to the young family.

Where was Gloria James born?
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a picture with his family after a game (from left to right) Bronny James, Bryce James, Zhuri James, Savannah James and Gloria James at Crypto.com Arena in February 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Harry How.
Source: Getty Images

Kelker, who coached the East Dragon football team, played LeBron as the running back for the 10-year-olds team. In a report by ESPN, he remarked on Ms James' commitment to her son's athletic endeavours.

She became the official team mother, filling water bottles and taking player attendance at every practice session. He recalled how she ran in stride with him along the sidelines for every touchdown Bron Bron made, screaming maniacally.

LeBron's football career was short-lived. It ended soon after he was introduced to basketball coach Frankie Walker. Towards the tail-end of 1993, Gloria made the ultimate sacrifice for her son.

How is Gloria James related to LeBron James?
LeBron and his mother pictured during an event in February 2023 celebrating LeBron's all-time leading score record. Photo by @gloriajames.
Source: Instagram

She took an opportunity offered by the Walkers to house, educate, clothe, train, and guide LeBron in a family dynamic. At the time, she stayed with a friend and visited Bron over the weekends. She later admitted to him,

"It was hard, but it was not about me. It was about you. I had to put you first."

In a report by the Cleveland publication, the Walker family wholeheartedly took on LeBron, providing him with the structure and stability any growing child needed. The arrangement allowed Gloria adequate time to find a safe home.

How old is Gloria James?
Gloria James cheers for the Miami Heat during the second quarter in Game Two of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, Sunday, June 9, 2013. Photo by Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service.
Source: Getty Images

Gloria Marie James' dating history

Akron folk have long believed that LeBron's father was a local high school basketball player, Roland Bivins. Unfortunately, he was killed soon after high school.

Rumours also exist that Anthony McClelland, an Akron local was James' father. Neither Gloria nor LeBron has acknowledged any of the rumours.

In May 2010, a vicious rumour broke out suggesting that Gloria had a clandestine relationship with her son's teammate Delonte West. Although LeBron's legal team repeatedly denied the allegations, the rumour remains alive in various publications.

Where does Gloria James live now?
Gloria James pictured with her pet Blackie. Photo by @gloriajames.
Source: Instagram

Who is Gloria Marie James' husband?

Ms James is not married. However, in 2016, she was engaged to be married to Da Real Lambo, a Miami-based rap artist. While details of their breakup remain unknown, Lambo threatened to reveal scathing secrets of the NBA All-Star and his family following their split.

Gloria Marie James' career

Gloria is passionate about community empowerment and has been involved in various charities. She serves as the Lebron James Family Foundation vice president and the founder of House of Glo.

The House of Glo brings together Black fashion designers while highlighting social injustices in the community. Through the company, she annually organizes the All-Star Experience event that supports social causes, including Central State University, the only historically black university in Northwest Ohio.

Does LeBron James take care of his mom?

The privilege of means has allowed LeBron to take over the role of a caregiver, offering Marie a comfortable life. Over the years, he has showered his mother with luxurious gifts, including a beautiful home and a G-Wagon. Reports indicate that he bought her a Porsche for her birthday in 2023.

King James has also publicly expressed his admiration and love for his mother. He honoured his mother in an essay A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink for the Shriver Report. In an excerpt, he said,

"Just how much responsibility comes with being a single mom every day. You do not have that other half or that helping male influence in the house that can — especially in my case, being a son — that can give you that fatherly love or that fatherly guidance. My mother figured out how to."

In support of single mothers around the globe, he added,

"I know so many single parent mothers out there that feel like there is no tomorrow, and hopefully they don't just give up. I know kids and adults have dreams. Hopefully, the single parents in the world understand their dreams can become a reality if they stay strong for themselves and their kids as well."

What is Gloria Marie James' net worth?

Various sites value her net worth at $2 million. Her earnings come from appearances, endorsements, and entrepreneurial endeavours.

LeBron's global success makes Gloria Marie James one of the most inspiring single mothers. In addition, her work with the family's foundation impacts families by providing the help they need regarding education and co-curricular activities.

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Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.
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Lebron James