Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell? The Hidden and Incredible Life Story of Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a strong and inspiring woman from Mississippi. Most people know her as the ex-wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice. But her story goes far beyond that. She survived a life-threatening coma, raised three children with love and care, went through a painful divorce, and then built her own business from scratch. Her life is full of courage, pain, and real strength.
Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1964 |
| Age (2026) | 62 years old |
| Birthplace | Starkville, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Coach Mitchell |
| Mother | Gloria Campbell |
| High School | Greenville High School |
| University | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Title Won | Miss Black Greenville Teen (1984) |
| Ex-Husband | Jerry Rice (NFL Legend) |
| Marriage Date | September 8, 1987 |
| Divorce Year | 2009 |
| Children | Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Symone Rice |
| Business | Pet Gear Elite (founded 2023) |
| Known For | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Ex-wife of Jerry Rice |
Early Life and Family Background
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, in a family that cared deeply about faith, community, and hard work. Her father, Coach Mitchell, was a respected high school coach. Her mother, Gloria Campbell, was a devoted homemaker. From a young age, Jacqueline learned the values of discipline and kindness from both of her parents.
She was not just the “coach’s daughter.” Jacqueline was a cheerleader at Greenville High School and a well-known face in her community. In 1984, she won the title of Miss Black Greenville Teen, which showed her confidence and leadership skills. After high school, she attended the University of Southern Mississippi to continue her education and prepare for the future.
How She Met Jerry Rice
Jacqueline first met Jerry Rice in 1985 when she was still a senior at Greenville High School. Jerry was 22 years old and studying at Mississippi Valley State University, where he was already making a name for himself as a football player. Jacqueline was just 17 at the time. Their meeting was simple and natural, and the two quickly became close.
After dating for four years, Jerry proposed to Jacqueline in 1987. The couple got married on September 8, 1987, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their family and friends. It was the start of what many people thought would be a lifelong partnership.
Life as Jerry Rice’s Wife
During their marriage, Jacqueline stood by Jerry Rice as he became one of the greatest NFL players in history. She was his partner both at home and in public life. She took care of their family while Jerry focused on his career as a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. Together, they attended many charity events, including the March of Dimes event in 1994.
The couple had three children together. Their daughter Jaqui Bonet Rice was the first child. Their son, Jerry Rice Jr., was born in 1991. Their youngest daughter, Jada Symone Rice, was born in 1996. Jacqueline was a loving and active mother who always put her children first, even during the most difficult times of her life.
The Life-Threatening Coma
In 1996, after the birth of her youngest daughter Jada, Jacqueline faced a terrifying health crisis. She lost a large amount of blood during childbirth, which caused her to fall into a coma. Doctors were not sure she would survive. For three full months, her family waited and prayed.
Jerry Rice stayed by her side throughout the entire time, even moving into the hospital to be close to her. When Jacqueline finally woke up, she could not move her legs. She had no feeling in them at all. But she did not give up. She went from a wheelchair, to a walker, to crutches, and finally to a cane. After three years of hard work and recovery, she walked again. This part of her story shows just how strong she really is.
The Divorce from Jerry Rice
For many years, Jacqueline and Jerry Rice seemed like a strong couple. But behind closed doors, their marriage was struggling. In June 2007, Jacqueline filed for divorce after finding out that Jerry had an affair. The affair had even resulted in the birth of another child. This news was heartbreaking for Jacqueline and her family.
The divorce was finalized in 2009, ending a 22-year marriage. Because the couple had no prenuptial agreement, Jacqueline received a large financial settlement, estimated at around $15 million. This gave her the financial independence she needed to start a new chapter in her life. After the divorce, she chose to live quietly and focus on healing, her children, and her own goals.
Life After Divorce and Business Journey
After her divorce, Jacqueline stepped away from the public eye. She did not seek media attention or try to stay in the spotlight. Instead, she focused on her personal growth, her children, and giving back to her community. She supported her son Jerry Jr. during his brief football career at UCLA, and she stayed closely involved in all of her children’s lives.
In 2023, Jacqueline took a big and exciting step. She launched Pet Gear Elite, an online store that sells pet supplies. She started the business because she loves animals deeply and has six pets of her own: Royalty, King Louis, Bleu I.V, Elle V., QoeQoe, and ReignBeaux. The business also supports charities that help rescue and care for abused and abandoned animals around the world.
Philanthropic Work and Community Involvement
Giving back has always been an important part of Jacqueline’s life. During her marriage to Jerry Rice, she took part in many charity events and causes. She understood the value of using her position to help others. Even after the divorce, she continued this commitment to helping people and animals in need.
Through her business, Pet Gear Elite, Jacqueline uses a portion of her work to support animal rescue organizations globally. She cares about animals that have been hurt, left behind, or forgotten. Her charitable work shows that she is not just a businesswoman but a person with a big heart who wants to make the world a better place.
Her Children Today
All three of Jacqueline’s children have grown up to lead their own lives. Jaqui Bonet Rice, her oldest daughter, has been involved in various business ventures and Jacqueline is very supportive of her work. Jerry Rice Jr., born in 1991, followed his father into football but later moved into real estate in California and became an ambassador for a sports nutrition brand called GOAT Fuel.
Jada Symone Rice, the youngest, was born in 1996. She has kept her life mostly private. In 2020, she contracted COVID-19 but recovered with the support of her family. Jacqueline has always made sure her children grew up with good values, strong character, and a sense of humility, even with such a famous father.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is much more than just the ex-wife of a football star. She is a survivor, a mother, a businesswoman, and a giver. She fought back from a coma, raised her children with love, handled a painful divorce with grace, and then built her own path forward. Her story is one of quiet strength and real courage. She never asked for fame or attention. She just kept moving forward, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is best known as the ex-wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice. She is also the founder of Pet Gear Elite and the mother of three children.
2. When did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice get married?
They got married on September 8, 1987, after dating for four years. Their marriage lasted 22 years before they divorced in 2009.
3. Why did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell fall into a coma?
After the birth of her third child, Jada, in 1996, Jacqueline lost a dangerous amount of blood. This caused her to fall into a coma that lasted for about three months.
4. How much money did Jacqueline get after the divorce?
Because there was no prenuptial agreement, Jacqueline received a large financial settlement after the divorce. Reports suggest she received around $15 million from Jerry Rice’s wealth.
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