Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a name many recognize because of her marriage to NFL legend Jerry Rice. But her life story goes far beyond being known as his former wife. Born and raised in Mississippi, Jacqueline’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and determination. In this article, we will take a closer look at her early life, her role as a mother to three children, and the challenges she faced, including a serious health crisis and a very public divorce.
You will also discover how Jacqueline became a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, building her own legacy beyond the football spotlight. This article tells the full story of a woman who has overcome adversity and continues to inspire through her courage and grace.
Quick Stats
| Personal Details | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Starkville, Mississippi |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Jerry Rice in 2007) |
| Children | Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Symone Rice |
| Career | Businesswoman and philanthropist |
| Philanthropic Involvement | Active in various charitable organizations |
| Notable Life Event | High-profile divorce in 2007 |
| Online Presence | Limited social media activity |
Early Life and Background
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She grew up in a close family with a brother and sister, where strong values like hard work, unity, and resilience were important. Raised in a small town, Jacqueline learned the meaning of community and family support from an early age. She attended Greenville High School, where she showed leadership and confidence by winning the Miss Black Greenville Teen title in 1984. Later, she went on to study at the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi Valley State University. These early experiences helped shape her into the strong and determined woman she is today.
Relationship and Marriage with Jerry Rice
Jacqueline met Jerry Rice while they were both college students, and the couple married in 1987. Their marriage lasted more than two decades and was often seen as a partnership of strength and shared goals. During this time, Jacqueline supported Jerry’s legendary NFL career, which made him one of the greatest football players in history. However, their marriage was not without difficulties. Public revelations of Jerry Rice’s infidelity, including the birth of a child with another woman, deeply affected their relationship. These challenges ultimately led Jacqueline to file for divorce in 2007, which was finalized in 2009. Despite the painful ending, Jacqueline maintained her dignity and focused on co-parenting their children and moving forward.
Who Is Jerry Rice?
Jerry Rice is a famous American football player, widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. Born on October 13, 1962, he played most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers and set many records, including the most career receptions and receiving yards. Rice won three Super Bowl championships and was known for his hard work, speed, and excellent catching ability. His successful football career made him a sports icon and earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Children and Parenting
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a devoted mother to three children: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice. Her parenting style blends love, firmness, and guidance, ensuring her children have a stable and nurturing environment despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye. Jaqui Bonet, the eldest, has established her own identity, even marrying artist Trevion Gold and maintaining a social media presence. Jerry Rice Jr. followed in his father’s athletic footsteps before transitioning into a career in real estate and sports nutrition. Jada Symone, the youngest, is more private but has shown resilience after battling COVID-19 in 2020. Throughout it all, Jacqueline has prioritized family unity, balancing motherhood with her business and philanthropic commitments.
Age and Early Life
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. At 61 years old (as of 2025), she has lived a life marked by both quiet strength and public attention. Raised in a small town environment, Jacqueline’s early years were influenced by traditional community values that emphasized integrity, resilience, and family bonds. This upbringing instilled in her a strong foundation to face life’s challenges and successes with grace and determination.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Jacqueline carries herself with a natural elegance and strength that makes her presence memorable. Standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, she has warm brown eyes that reflect her calm and confident nature. Beyond physical traits, Jacqueline is known for her graceful demeanor, blending poise with a quiet but firm strength. These qualities not only shaped how the public saw her but also guided her through the roles of wife, mother, and businesswoman.
Life-Altering Health Crisis
In 1996, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell faced a serious health crisis after giving birth to her youngest child, Jada. She experienced severe complications during childbirth, which led to heavy bleeding and caused her to fall into a coma for three months. This was a frightening time for her and her family. When she woke up, Jacqueline had to deal with major physical challenges, including losing the ability to walk. She spent the first year in a wheelchair and worked hard over several years to regain her mobility, moving from a wheelchair to using a walker and crutches. This experience showed her incredible strength and determination to recover and live a full life.
Career and Entrepreneurial Journey
After her divorce, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell focused on building her own career and became a successful businesswoman. She started a company called Pet Gear Elite, an online store that sells pet supplies, combining her love for animals with her business skills. Jacqueline is known for her strong work ethic and determination to create a successful brand on her own. Besides business, she is also involved in charity work, supporting causes that help others. Her journey shows how she used her resilience to turn challenges into new opportunities and build a life independent of her past.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is very active in giving back to her community through charity work. She supports different organizations and causes, especially those that help children and animals. Throughout her life, she has used her time and resources to make a positive impact on others. Her involvement in philanthropy shows her caring nature and commitment to helping people and animals in need. This work is an important part of her life and legacy, reflecting her strong values and desire to give back.
Navigating Divorce and Personal Challenges
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell faced many personal challenges during and after her divorce from Jerry Rice, which became public in 2007. The divorce came after Jerry Rice’s infidelity was revealed, creating a difficult and painful time for Jacqueline and her family. Despite the public attention and emotional stress, she handled the situation with strength and dignity. Jacqueline focused on protecting her children and maintaining a positive family environment. The divorce marked a new chapter in her life, allowing her to grow as an independent woman and pursue her own goals.
Financial Overview and Legacy
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s exact net worth is not publicly known, but it is reported that she received a settlement of about $15 million after her divorce from Jerry Rice. Beyond this, she has built her own financial success through entrepreneurship, especially with her pet supply business, Pet Gear Elite. Jacqueline’s legacy goes beyond money—she is respected for her resilience, strength, and commitment to family and community. Through her business work and charity efforts, she continues to leave a positive impact that inspires others to overcome challenges and create their own path.
Public Image and Media Presence
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell keeps a low profile and prefers to maintain her privacy, especially after her high-profile divorce from Jerry Rice. She has limited activity on social media and avoids much of the public spotlight. Despite this, she is respected for handling her personal challenges with grace and dignity. The media often focused on her relationship with Jerry Rice, but Jacqueline has worked hard to shape her own identity as a strong businesswoman and philanthropist. Her calm and private nature adds to the respect she receives from fans and the community.
Lessons from Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Life
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life teaches us important lessons about strength, resilience, and independence. Despite facing serious health problems and a very public divorce, she never gave up and worked hard to build a successful career and support her family. Her story shows the value of staying true to yourself, overcoming challenges with grace, and creating your own path in life. Jacqueline’s dedication to her family, business, and charity work inspires others to keep moving forward, no matter what difficulties they face.
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Conclusion
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life is a powerful story of courage, resilience, and growth. From her early days in Mississippi to her long marriage with NFL legend Jerry Rice, she has faced many challenges, including a serious health crisis and a difficult divorce. Despite these obstacles, Jacqueline has built her own successful career as a businesswoman and remains committed to helping others through her charitable work. Her journey shows that with strength and determination, it is possible to create a meaningful and inspiring legacy beyond any difficult circumstances.
FAQs About Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
1. Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a businesswoman and philanthropist, best known as the former wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice. She has built her own career and legacy beyond her marriage.
2. When and where was Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell born?
She was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi.
3. How many children does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell have?
Jacqueline has three children: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice.
4. What major health challenge did Jacqueline face?
After giving birth to her youngest child in 1996, Jacqueline experienced severe complications that led to a three-month coma and a long recovery period involving mobility challenges.
5. What businesses does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell run?
She founded Pet Gear Elite, an online store selling pet supplies, combining her passion for animals with her business skills.
6. When did Jacqueline and Jerry Rice get divorced?
Jacqueline and Jerry Rice separated in 2007, and their divorce was finalized in 2009 following public revelations of Jerry Rice’s infidelity.
7. What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth?
While exact details aren’t public, Jacqueline reportedly received a settlement of about $15 million from her divorce and has built her own business ventures.
8. How is Jacqueline involved in philanthropy?
She actively supports charitable causes, especially those helping children and animals, showing her commitment to giving back to the community.
