Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell? Full Biography of Jerry Rice’s Ex-Wife

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is more than just the former wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice—she is a woman whose life story reflects resilience, transformation, and independence. Born in Mississippi, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell grew up with strong family values before stepping into the public eye alongside one of football’s greatest stars. Over the years, she has navigated triumphs and challenges, including raising three children, building entrepreneurial ventures, and surviving a near-fatal health crisis that left her in a coma for months. While her marriage to Jerry Rice brought her national recognition, Jacqueline has built a separate identity as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, combining her passion for business and giving back. Today, she stands as an inspiring example of a woman who has overcome adversity with dignity, strength, and purpose.

Quick Bio: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell

Early Life and Background

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi, into a family that emphasized discipline, education, and athletics, values deeply instilled by her father, Coach Mitchell, who worked as a respected high school coach. Growing up in a close-knit household with siblings, she learned the importance of hard work and determination from an early age. At Greenville High School, Jacqueline was active in extracurricular activities, serving as a cheerleader and winning the Miss Black Greenville Teen title in 1984, achievements that showcased her charisma and leadership qualities.

After graduating, she attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she laid the foundation for future endeavors as a businesswoman and philanthropist, proving that Jacqueline Mitchell’s early life and education were critical stepping stones to the woman she would become.

How Old is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?

As of 2025, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is 61 years old, having been born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She holds American nationality and grew up with strong family values that shaped her character. Even in her sixties, Jacqueline is often described as graceful and resilient, qualities that reflect both her appearance and her life story of overcoming challenges, building a career, and focusing on philanthropy and family.

Meeting Jerry Rice and Marriage

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell met Jerry Rice while attending Mississippi Valley State University, where Rice was quickly emerging as a promising wide receiver, and their connection grew into a lasting relationship. On September 8, 1987, the couple married, beginning a union that lasted more than two decades and coincided with Jerry’s rise to superstardom in the NFL. Throughout his illustrious career with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks, Jacqueline played a vital role as a supportive partner, managing family responsibilities while her husband dominated on the field.

Their marriage was marked by joint appearances at public events, charity functions, and community programs, where they presented a united front and reinforced their image as a power couple, making Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Jerry Rice’s wife not just in name but as a cornerstone of his personal and professional journey.

Who Is Jerry Rice?

Jerry Rice is a retired American football wide receiver who is widely regarded as the greatest player in NFL history. Born on October 13, 1962, in Crawford, Mississippi, he became famous for his unmatched work ethic, precise route running, and record-breaking career. Rice spent most of his 20-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he won three Super Bowl championships, and later played for the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. He holds numerous all-time records, including most career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. In 2010, his legendary career was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the most iconic athletes in American sports history.

Family and Children

Family was always central to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life, and together with Jerry Rice, she raised three children, each of whom has forged their own identity. Their eldest, Jaqui Bonet Rice, born in 1987, later became known as Jaqui Rice Gold after marrying artist Trevion Gold, and today she thrives as an entrepreneur while maintaining an active presence on Instagram. Their son, Jerry Rice Jr., born in 1991, initially followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing football at UCLA and UNLV before injuries redirected his career toward real estate, where he now works as an agent in California and serves as an ambassador for GOAT Fuel, a sports nutrition brand.

The youngest, Jada Symone Rice, born in 1996, has largely remained private, though in 2020 she faced a health challenge after contracting COVID-19, which she overcame with resilience and family support. Jacqueline prioritized instilling strong values of education, humility, and perseverance in her children, ensuring that, despite their father’s fame, they grew up grounded and prepared for life on their own terms, embodying the balance of family and character that Jacqueline Mitchell’s children represent.

Health Crisis and Resilience

In 1996, after the birth of her youngest child, Jada, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell endured a life-threatening health crisis when complications during childbirth caused severe hemorrhaging, leading her to slip into a coma that lasted three months. Her recovery was long and difficult, beginning with time in a wheelchair before slowly progressing to a walker, then crutches, and eventually regaining full mobility after years of determination and therapy.

The ordeal not only tested her strength but also reshaped her family life, as her children and husband adjusted to the uncertainty of her condition. Public sympathy grew as her story highlighted the unseen struggles behind the glamorous life of an NFL family. Ultimately, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s recovery became a testament to resilience, proving her ability to overcome extraordinary physical and emotional challenges, inspiring those who learned of her journey, and reinforcing her legacy as a woman defined by courage.

Divorce from Jerry Rice

Despite enduring hardships together, including her health crisis, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s marriage to Jerry Rice began to fracture, and by 2007, revelations of Jerry’s infidelity—including a relationship with Djakarta Edwards that resulted in the birth of Brenden Rice—pushed Jacqueline to file for divorce. The proceedings, finalized in 2009, attracted wide public attention due to Rice’s fame, and the absence of a prenuptial agreement meant Jacqueline received a significant financial settlement estimated at $15 million.

While the divorce was emotionally painful and publicly scrutinized, Jacqueline handled the process with dignity, choosing to focus on co-parenting and providing stability for her children rather than engaging in media drama. This chapter marked the end of their 22-year marriage but also the beginning of a new era of independence, allowing Jacqueline to redefine herself not as Jerry Rice’s wife but as a resilient woman determined to thrive on her own terms, embodying the strength behind the headline of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s divorce.

Career and Entrepreneurial Journey

Following her divorce from Jerry Rice, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell transitioned from being known primarily as the wife of an NFL star to establishing her own professional identity, embracing entrepreneurship as a way to channel her passion and independence. She founded Pet Gear Elite, an online pet supply business that reflected both her love for animals and her business acumen, and through this venture, she demonstrated that she could successfully manage and grow a company.

While much of her other business activity has remained private, Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial efforts highlight her ability to create opportunities for herself, redefine her path, and remain financially independent outside the shadow of her high-profile marriage. Her story of transformation from NFL wife to entrepreneur showcases determination, adaptability, and a commitment to following personal passions, reinforcing her place as a businesswoman in her own right.

Philanthropic Efforts

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has always had a strong commitment to giving back, and her philanthropic efforts have been as significant as her entrepreneurial journey. During her marriage to Jerry Rice, she actively participated in charitable initiatives such as the March of Dimes and other community-focused projects, reflecting the couple’s shared dedication to service. After their divorce, Jacqueline continued her charitable work independently, focusing particularly on causes related to animal welfare and community support.

Her ability to combine personal values with philanthropy has made her a respected figure beyond her family name, and she continues to represent the importance of compassion, generosity, and service. Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s philanthropy is a reminder that her legacy extends well beyond business and personal challenges, emphasizing her lasting impact on the communities she supports.

Life After Divorce

Life after her high-profile divorce marked a period of reinvention for Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, who chose to step away from the media spotlight and focus instead on her children, her businesses, and her philanthropic passions. Unlike many public figures who remain tied to their former partners, Jacqueline deliberately built a life of privacy and dignity, maintaining stability while avoiding unnecessary drama or controversy. Her relationship with Jerry Rice today is civil and centered on co-parenting, ensuring their three children continue to receive love and support from both parents despite the separation. By prioritizing personal growth and family harmony, Jacqueline has shown that it is possible to thrive after major life changes, embodying resilience and grace in the face of public scrutiny.

Age, Nationality, and Physical Features

As of 2025, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is 61 years old, having been born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. She is American by nationality and stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with striking brown eyes that complement her graceful presence. Over the years, Jacqueline has carried herself with elegance and strength, traits that reflect not only her physical appearance but also her character. Her resilience, both physically and emotionally, especially following her health crisis, underscores her enduring strength and presence as a woman who has weathered adversity with dignity. These details contribute to the image of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell as someone admired not only for her personal journey but also for the grace with which she continues to present herself.

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s Net Worth

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s financial independence became especially clear following her divorce from Jerry Rice, when the absence of a prenuptial agreement resulted in a settlement estimated at $15 million. This substantial financial foundation has allowed her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and invest in her business ventures, including her entrepreneurial project Pet Gear Elite.

While her current net worth is not publicly documented with precision, it is widely believed that she continues to enjoy financial stability, supported by both her settlement and her ongoing business endeavors. Unlike her ex-husband, Jacqueline has chosen to keep her financial details private, reflecting her preference for discretion and a low public profile. Nonetheless, her wealth ensures she remains independent and capable of pursuing her passions without reliance on external support.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

The legacy of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell extends far beyond her marriage to Jerry Rice, as she has built a life defined by resilience, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and motherhood. She is remembered not only as the supportive wife of an NFL superstar but also as a woman who overcame a life-threatening health crisis, survived the challenges of a high-profile divorce, and emerged stronger and more independent.

Her role as a mother who instilled values of hard work, humility, and perseverance in her children further cements her impact, while her business ventures and charitable contributions reflect her determination to create a meaningful life on her own terms. Jacqueline’s lasting influence lies in proving that women connected to public figures can carve out identities of their own, leaving behind legacies that inspire strength, independence, and transformation.

Conclusion

Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life is a powerful story of resilience, independence, and transformation. From her early beginnings in Mississippi to her marriage to Jerry Rice, she experienced both triumphs and hardships, including a life-threatening health crisis and the challenges of a public divorce. Yet through it all, she redefined herself as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and devoted mother, proving that her identity goes far beyond being Jerry Rice’s ex-wife. Today, Jacqueline’s legacy stands as a reminder that true strength is found in perseverance and that adversity can be turned into an opportunity for growth, inspiration, and a lasting impact.

FAQs About Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell

1. Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the former wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice.

2. When was Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell born?
She was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi, United States.

3. How old is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
As of 2025, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is 61 years old.

4. How many children does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell have?
She has three children with Jerry Rice: Jaqui Bonet Rice (Jaqui Rice Gold), Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice.

5. Why did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice divorce?
The couple divorced in 2009 after 22 years of marriage due to Jerry Rice’s infidelity.

6. What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, largely from her divorce settlement and business ventures.

7. What business does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell run?
She founded Pet Gear Elite, an online store for pet supplies, and has been involved in other private ventures.

8. What health challenges has Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell faced?
In 1996, after giving birth, she suffered severe complications that led to a three-month coma and a long recovery journey.