Oct 23, 2014 1 min read

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Jean Sawyer Hayes, the 94-year-old mother of ABC journalist Diane Sawyer, died.

Pearson’s Funeral Home confirmed the death but said obituary information wasn’t available yet. She died Wednesday after a long illness.

The Courier-Journal said Hayes was a Monticello, Ky., native and a longtime elementary school teacher.

Sawyer told the newspaper Thursday that her mother was optimistic, spunky and energetic, traits that were useful in working with young children.

Hayes and Sawyer were spotted out together when Sawyer visited Louisville for private trips or assignments.

A weekend visitation was planned before private services.