Many people know Jerry Rice as one of the best football players ever. But not many know the story of the woman who stood beside him for more than 20 years. That woman is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell. Her life is full of happy days hard times and new beginnings.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is more than Jerry Rice’s ex-wife. She is a caring mother. She is also a strong woman who never gave up. She faced a very hard health battle and later started a new life with hope and faith.
In this article you will learn about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell from the very beginning. We will look at her childhood her family her school days how she met Jerry Rice and how they built a family together. Later we will also explore the hardest time of her life.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Birth Date | April 4, 1964 |
| Age (2026) | 62 years |
| Birthplace | Starkville, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| High School | Greenville High School |
| College | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Jerry Rice’s ex-wife |
| Ex-Husband | Jerry Rice |
| Marriage | 1987–2009 |
| Children | Jaqui, Jerry Jr., Jada |
| Business | Pet Gear Elite |
| Net Worth | Estimated a few million dollars |
| No public account | |
| Current Residence | United States |
| Current Life | Lives privately and runs a pet business |
Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is an American businesswoman. Many people know her because she was married to NFL star Jerry Rice. Their marriage lasted for more than two decades and they raised three children together.
Still her story is about much more than football. She spent many years caring for her family while helping Jerry during his famous career. She stayed kind calm and strong through many changes in life.
Today Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell lives a quiet life in the United States. She stays away from the spotlight. She enjoys spending time with her family and running her pet business. Many people now admire her strength and peaceful way of living.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Early Life and Family
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4 1964 in Starkville Mississippi. She spent her early years in a small town where family life was very important. Those early days helped shape the person she became later.
Her parents separated when she was still young. After that she was mostly raised by her mother Gloria Campbell. Later her mother married Charles Campbell. Even after these changes Jacqueline stayed close to the people she loved.
Her father was known as Coach Mitchell. He worked at Greenville High School as a coach. Jacqueline later attended the same school. Growing up around sports and school life helped her become active and confident from a young age.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s School and College Years
School played a big part in Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life. She liked joining activities and spending time with friends. Teachers and classmates knew her as a friendly and happy student.
She became a cheerleader at Greenville High School. She also entered beauty pageants. In 1984 she won the title of Miss Black Greenville Teen. It was a proud moment that showed her bright smile and kind nature.
After high school Jacqueline studied at the University of Southern Mississippi. She wanted to learn more and build a good future. At that time she did not know that meeting one person would change her life forever.
How Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Met Jerry Rice
The story of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice started in 1985. Jerry was becoming a football star at Mississippi Valley State University. Jacqueline was still in high school and had heard about his talent.
One day she asked Jerry for his autograph. Jerry smiled and signed his name. He also wrote that she was beautiful. That simple note made Jacqueline smile. Soon they started talking and getting to know each other.
Their friendship slowly turned into love. They spent time together and shared big dreams. Even as Jerry’s football career grew Jacqueline stayed by his side. They trusted each other and looked forward to building a future together.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice’s Marriage
After dating for several years Jerry asked Jacqueline to marry him. The couple married on September 8 1987. Family and close friends joined them as they started a new chapter together.
As Jerry became one of the biggest names in football Jacqueline stayed beside him. She attended games charity events and family gatherings. She helped keep their home peaceful while Jerry focused on football.
Many people saw the happy moments. They looked like the perfect family. Like every family they also faced hard days. Still they worked together and supported each other through many important years.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Children and Family Life
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice became the parents of three children. Their first child Jaqui Bonet Rice was born in 1987. She later became a business leader and now helps lead GOAT Fuel with her father and husband.
Their second child Jerry Rice Jr. was born in 1991. He loved football just like his father. After playing the game he started a new career in real estate. He has continued building a successful life of his own.
Their youngest child Jada Symone Rice was born in 1996. She studied psychology in college and later worked in the insurance field. She also enjoys music and stays very close to her mother. Family has always been important to her.
Jacqueline always placed her children first. She wanted them to grow up with love respect and good values. She supported their dreams and celebrated every big step they took in life.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Health Crisis That Changed Everything
In 1996 Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell welcomed her third child Jada. The baby was healthy and everyone believed the day would end with smiles. But only a short time later everything changed without warning.
After giving birth Jacqueline began losing a large amount of blood. Doctors rushed her into emergency surgery. Her family waited and prayed for good news. It quickly became clear that she was fighting for her life.
Jacqueline slipped into a coma that lasted for three months. Jerry stayed close to her every day and hoped she would wake up. Her children and loved ones never stopped believing. Her biggest fight was only beginning.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Recovery After the Coma
When Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell finally opened her eyes everyone felt hope again. Jerry Rice was there when she woke up. He later shared that her smile gave the whole family hope during a very hard time.
Waking up was only the first step. Jacqueline had lost feeling in her legs. She could not walk on her own. She needed a wheelchair for many months. Life had changed in ways no one expected.
Little by little she became stronger. She first used a walker. Later she used crutches. Then she walked with a cane. After about three years of hard work she was able to walk again. Her story showed that small steps can lead to big wins.
Why Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice Divorced
After many happy years things began to change. Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice faced problems that became harder to fix. Their marriage slowly came to an end after more than twenty years together.
In 2007 Jacqueline filed for divorce. Reports said Jerry had an affair with Djakarta Edwards. During a paternity case Jerry confirmed he was the father of Brenden Rice. This news was very painful for Jacqueline and her family.
The divorce became final in 2009. Jacqueline did not receive monthly support payments. Instead she received part of the family’s property and wealth. Even after the divorce both parents worked together to care for their children.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s New Life and Pet Business
After the divorce Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell chose a quiet path. She did not spend her time in front of cameras. She wanted peace. She wanted to enjoy life with family and close friends.
In 2023 she started her own online pet store called Pet Gear Elite. The business sells supplies for dogs and cats. It also shows her deep love for animals and caring for pets.
Jacqueline has six pets named Royalty King Louis Bleu I.V. Elle V. QoeQoe and ReignBeaux. She treats them like family. Part of her business also helps groups that rescue hurt and lost animals. She enjoys giving back in a simple way.
Where Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Today?
Today Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell lives a private life in the United States. She stays away from public attention. She does not spend much time on social media and enjoys living quietly.
Even though she likes privacy she stays close to her children. They often share family photos during birthdays holidays and special days. Their happy smiles show they still have a close family bond.
Jacqueline enjoys a calm life. She spends time with loved ones takes care of her pets and works on her business. After everything she has faced she seems happy with the simple life she has built.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Net Worth
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has never shared her personal wealth with the public. Because of that no exact number is known. Many reports believe she is worth several million dollars.
Much of her money came from her divorce settlement. She also earns money through her pet business. Even so she does not live a flashy life. She keeps her life simple and private.
People remember Jacqueline for more than her marriage. They remember her strength after her health battle. They remember how she cared for her children. They also remember how she found a new path after hard times.
Final Thoughts
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has lived a life full of change. She enjoyed happy family years. She also faced deep pain and big life tests. Through every chapter she kept moving forward.
Her story is not only about being Jerry Rice’s ex-wife. It is about courage hope and never giving up. She survived a serious health crisis. She raised three children with love. She started a business and built a peaceful new life.
Many people only know one part of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s story. After learning about her full journey it is easy to see why so many people respect her today. Her life reminds us that hard days do not last forever. With faith family and hope it is possible to begin again and find happiness once more.
(FAQs)
How old is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, and when is her birthday?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964. As of 2026, she is 62 years old.
What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is not public. Many reports say she is worth a few million dollars.
Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell on Instagram?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell does not have a public or verified Instagram account.
Why did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell divorce Jerry Rice?
She filed for divorce in 2007 after Jerry Rice’s affair became public. Their divorce was final in 2009.
Where is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell today? Was she Jerry Rice’s wife?
Yes. She was Jerry Rice’s first wife from 1987 to 2009. Today, she lives a quiet private life in the United States and runs her pet business.
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