Have you ever heard the name Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell? You may know her as the first wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice, but there’s a lot more to her story. Behind the scenes, Jacqueline lived a life full of love, pain, strength, and quiet success.
While Jerry Rice became one of the greatest football players of all time, Jacqueline was right there beside him. She supported him through his rise to fame, faced a life-threatening health scare, and later had to rebuild her life after a public divorce.
In this article, we’ll walk you through Jacqueline’s full story — from her early days to her time in the spotlight, to her powerful comeback. It’s a story of strength, survival, and starting over.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Known As | Jerry Rice’s ex-wife |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1964 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 62 years old |
| Birthplace | Starkville, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | University of Southern Mississippi |
| High School | Greenville High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Jerry Rice (1987–2009) |
| Children | Jaqui, Jerry Jr., Jada |
| Health History | Coma after childbirth (3 months) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur |
| Business Name | Pet Gear Elite |
| Net Worth | Believed to be in millions |
| Social Media | Not active |
| Current Life | Private life with pets & family |
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Early Life
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She grew up in a small town with big dreams. Her parents were Coach Mitchell and Gloria Campbell, but sadly, they separated when Jacqueline was still young.
After the split, Jacqueline was raised mostly by her mom, Gloria. In 1995, her mother got remarried to a man named Charles Campbell. Jacqueline’s father, known as a coach in their community, worked at Greenville High School — which later became her school too.
Even as a teenager, Jacqueline stood out. She was active in school, worked hard, and had a bright smile that made people remember her. She joined beauty pageants and even won Miss Black Greenville Teen in 1984. She was also a cheerleader, full of energy and spirit. These moments shaped her into the strong woman she would later become.
After high school, Jacqueline went on to study at the University of Southern Mississippi. She believed in education and wanted to build a good future for herself — and one day, for her family too.
Meeting Jerry Rice for the First Time
The story of Jacqueline and Jerry Rice started in a very sweet and simple way. It was back in 1985. Jacqueline was just 17 years old, finishing high school. Jerry was 22, already a rising star playing football at Mississippi Valley State University.
They met when Jacqueline asked Jerry for an autograph. But instead of just signing his name, Jerry added a personal message and told her she was beautiful. That small moment led to something big — a relationship that would grow over the years.
Soon after, they began dating. Even though Jerry’s football career was taking off, he made time for Jacqueline. Their bond became stronger with time, and it was clear they cared deeply for each other.
Marriage to Jerry Rice
After four years of dating, Jerry proposed to Jacqueline. The couple got married on September 8, 1987. It was a happy time, filled with excitement and dreams for the future.
This was also the same time Jerry’s football career was taking off in a big way. He joined the San Francisco 49ers and quickly became one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. With every touchdown and award, Jacqueline was there by his side — smiling, cheering, and supporting him through it all.
They were seen together at events like the 2000 ESPY Awards and at celebrity parties. As Jerry Rice’s wife, Jacqueline had to adjust to a public life. But she always stayed grounded. She kept her focus on family and stayed out of drama, even when the spotlight was bright.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell as a Mother
While Jerry shined on the football field, Jacqueline focused on something just as important — being a mom. The couple had three beautiful children together:
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Jaqui Bonet Rice, born in 1987
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Jerry Rice Jr., born in 1991
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Jada Symone Rice, born in 1996
Jacqueline took her role as a mother seriously. She raised her kids with love, care, and values. Even when life got hard later on, her children stayed close to her. Today, they speak kindly about her, and you can tell how strong their bond still is.
Her daughter Jaqui went on to become a successful businesswoman. Her son Jerry Jr. played football like his dad and later became a real estate agent. And Jada studied psychology and now works in insurance. Jacqueline’s love and guidance clearly helped shape their lives.
Health Crisis After Childbirth
In 1996, something happened that changed Jacqueline’s life forever. After giving birth to her third child, Jada, she started feeling very unwell. What was supposed to be a normal delivery turned into a medical emergency.
Jacqueline began to bleed heavily. Doctors rushed her into surgery to stop the bleeding. But things were so serious, she fell into a coma — and stayed in that coma for three long months.
It was a terrifying time for her family. Jerry Rice stayed by her side the whole time, even moving into the hospital just to be close to her. Doctors weren’t sure she would ever wake up. But Jacqueline wasn’t ready to give up.
Jacqueline’s Long Road to Recovery
When Jacqueline finally woke up from the coma, she couldn’t move her legs. She had no feeling in them at all. It was heartbreaking, but she didn’t give up. She started her recovery journey one step at a time.
At first, she used a wheelchair. Then she moved on to a walker. After that, she tried crutches. Finally, she used a cane. It took three full years for her to walk again — but she did it.
Most people would have broken down after such a scary and painful experience. But Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell showed strength that inspired everyone around her. She focused on healing, loving her kids, and rebuilding her life — no matter how hard it was.
The Truth Behind the Divorce From Jerry Rice
After going through so much together, things sadly changed for Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice. In 2007, after nearly 20 years of marriage, Jacqueline filed for divorce. Many people were surprised. From the outside, their life looked strong. But inside, things had slowly fallen apart.
One of the biggest reasons for the divorce was infidelity. Jerry had an affair with a woman named Djakarta Edwards. That relationship led to the birth of a son, Brenden Rice, in 2002. During the divorce process, Jerry confirmed he was the father.
It wasn’t just one affair. More stories came out, showing Jerry had been unfaithful several times during the marriage. This broke the trust between him and Jacqueline. Even though it was painful, Jacqueline handled everything with quiet strength. She stayed focused on her children and didn’t create any public drama.
Life After Divorce for Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
When the divorce was finalized in 2009, Jacqueline decided to step out of the spotlight completely. She didn’t do interviews. She didn’t try to stay famous. Instead, she chose peace.
She focused on her kids. She made sure they stayed happy and healthy, even after the split. Jacqueline and Jerry worked together to raise their children. They attended graduations, birthdays, and family events as co-parents. Even after everything, Jacqueline showed grace and maturity.
Her decision to live a quiet life says a lot about who she is. She didn’t chase fame or attention. She simply wanted to live with love, dignity, and purpose.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Becomes an Entrepreneur
In 2023, Jacqueline made a new move. She started her own online business called Pet Gear Elite. The idea came from her deep love for animals. At home, she has six pets—and each one has a special name: Royalty, King Louis, Bleu I.V, Elle V., QoeQoe, and ReignBeaux.
Her business sells pet supplies like toys, food, and accessories. But it’s more than just a shop. Jacqueline also uses Pet Gear Elite to support animal rescue groups. A part of her earnings goes to helping animals that are abused, abandoned, or in need.
This business is close to her heart. It shows that even after everything, Jacqueline still wants to help others—especially those without a voice.
Where Is Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife Now?
So where is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell today?
She continues to live a quiet and peaceful life in the United States. She is not active on social media, and she rarely appears in public. But every now and then, she’s seen at family events, like her daughter’s wedding or holiday gatherings.
Her children often share sweet messages and photos with her. In 2023, her daughter Jaqui Bonet posted a Mother’s Day video to thank her for everything. It was a reminder of the strong bond they still share.
Jacqueline may no longer be in the headlines, but her life is still full of meaning, family, and purpose.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Jacqueline has never shared her net worth publicly. But based on what we know, she’s likely doing well. During the divorce, she didn’t receive monthly alimony, but she did receive a share of Jerry Rice’s assets. That helped her start fresh financially.
Jerry Rice is worth around $50 million, so it’s believed that Jacqueline received millions in the settlement. Along with her own business income from Pet Gear Elite, she is now living a comfortable and independent life.
She doesn’t flash wealth. She doesn’t show off. But she has what she needs—and that’s more than enough.
Final Thoughts
The story of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is not about fame or money. It’s about strength. It’s about how one woman survived heartbreak, a health crisis, and public divorce—and still came out stronger.
She stayed calm during hard times. She loved her kids deeply. She started a business that helps others. And she did all this without shouting for attention.
Her story reminds us that quiet strength is just as powerful as loud success. She didn’t let pain break her. She used it to grow, to heal, and to move forward.
That’s what makes her truly inspiring.
(FAQs)
How much money does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell have now?
She never shared her exact number, but after her divorce from Jerry Rice, people believe she got millions of dollars — even though she didn’t get any monthly payments.
How old is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell now?
Jacqueline was born on April 4, 1964, so she is 62 years old in 2026. It’s amazing, especially after she survived being in a coma for 3 months.
Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell on Instagram?
No, she’s not on Instagram or any social media. Jacqueline likes to keep her life very private and stays away from the spotlight.
Why did Jacqueline divorce Jerry Rice?
She found out Jerry had multiple affairs, including one that led to a secret child with another woman. That’s when she decided to walk away.
What is Jacqueline doing in 2026?
She’s living a quiet and peaceful life. She runs her own pet business, takes care of her animals, and stays close to her kids — far away from the fame.
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