Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is a name that many associate with NFL legend Jerry Rice, but her life story goes far beyond her marriage to one of football’s greatest players. Born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi, Jacqueline’s journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and determination. At 60 years old, she has faced numerous challenges, including a life-threatening health crisis and a high-profile divorce, yet she has emerged stronger than ever.
Early Life and Background
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born into a family with deep roots in Mississippi. Her father, Coach Mitchell, was a well-respected coach at Greenville High School, where Jacqueline later attended. Unfortunately, her parents separated when she was young, and Jacqueline was primarily raised by her mother, Gloria Campbell. Her mother later remarried Charles Campbell in 1995, providing Jacqueline with a stable and loving environment despite the challenges of a broken home.
Jacqueline’s early years were marked by her active participation in school activities. She was a cheerleader and participated in beauty pageants, winning the title of Miss Black Greenville Teen in 1984. Her experiences in high school shaped her into a confident and ambitious young woman. After graduating from Greenville High School, Jacqueline pursued higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she continued to develop her skills and interests.
Marriage to Jerry Rice
Jacqueline’s life took a significant turn when she met Jerry Rice in 1985. At the time, she was a senior at Greenville High School, and Jerry was a rising football star at Mississippi Valley State University. Their connection was immediate, and the couple began dating shortly after. Despite the challenges of balancing their relationship with Jerry’s burgeoning football career, the couple remained committed to each other.
In 1987, after four years of dating, Jerry proposed to Jacqueline, and the couple married on September 8 of that year. Their wedding was a grand affair, attended by family, friends, and Jerry’s teammates. It marked the beginning of their life together as a married couple. Over the years, they welcomed three children: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Rice. However, their seemingly perfect life was soon overshadowed by a life-altering event.
Health Crisis and Coma
The birth of their third child, Jada Symone, in 1997 was a joyous occasion for the Rice family. However, it quickly turned into a nightmare when Jacqueline experienced severe hemorrhaging shortly after delivery. The situation became critical, and Jacqueline was rushed into emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Jacqueline’s condition worsened, and she slipped into a coma that lasted for three months.
During those three months, Jerry Rice and their family faced the terrifying possibility of losing Jacqueline. When she finally awoke, the challenges were far from over. Jacqueline had lost all feeling in her legs and was unable to walk. For the first year of her recovery, she relied on a wheelchair, and it took her three long years to regain mobility. Through sheer determination and the support of her family, Jacqueline went from using a wheelchair to a walker, then crutches, and eventually a cane. By the end of her recovery, she had defied the odds and was able to walk again.
The Strain on Their Marriage
While Jacqueline was battling for her life, the strain on her marriage to Jerry Rice began to take its toll. The physical and emotional challenges of her recovery, combined with the pressures of Jerry’s career, created a rift between the couple. In 2007, after nearly two decades of marriage, Jacqueline filed for divorce. The split was reportedly amicable, with both parties wanting to prioritize their children’s well-being. However, the divorce process was complicated by issues of child custody and financial settlements.
The final blow to their marriage came when it was revealed that Jerry Rice had engaged in an extramarital affair with a woman named Djakarta Edwards. In December 2005, Jerry was involved in a paternity suit with Djakarta, with whom he had a brief relationship in 2002. The affair resulted in the birth of a child, Brenden Rice, who is now a football player. This scandal not only dissolved their marriage but also brought to light other affairs that Jerry had during his marriage to Jacqueline.
In 2009, Jerry and Jacqueline’s divorce was finalized. Despite the difficult circumstances, Jacqueline remained focused on her children’s well-being. She has often spoken about the importance of co-parenting and maintaining a positive environment for their children despite the changes in their family structure.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Jerry Rice, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell embarked on a new chapter in her life. In 2023, she founded Pet Gear Elite, an online store that offers a wide range of pet supplies. Jacqueline’s love for animals inspired her to start the business, and she now has six pets of her own: Royalty, King Louis, Bleu I.V, Elle V., QoeQoe, and ReignBeaux. But Pet Gear Elite is more than just a business; it also serves as a platform for Jacqueline to engage in philanthropic work. She is committed to supporting organizations dedicated to rescuing and helping abused, neglected, and abandoned animals worldwide.
Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial journey has been successful, and her business continues to grow. Although she has not publicly shared her net worth, it is believed that she could be worth millions, particularly after settling her divorce from Jerry Rice. Her ex-husband’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, and it is likely that Jacqueline received a significant portion of that in the divorce settlement.
Interesting facts about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell:
Age
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell was born on April 4, 1964, making her 60 years old as of 2024. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to lead an active and fulfilling life.
Height
Jacqueline’s height is not widely documented, but she is known for her poised and graceful appearance, which she maintained throughout her public life.
Husband
Jacqueline was married to NFL legend Jerry Rice, often regarded as the greatest player in NFL history. The couple married on September 8, 1987, and were together for nearly two decades before finalizing their divorce in 2009.
Children
Jacqueline and Jerry Rice have three children together:
- Jaqui Bonet Rice: The eldest daughter, who has maintained a relatively private life.
- Jerry Rice Jr.: Followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in football.
- Jada Symone Rice: The youngest, born during the period when Jacqueline faced life-threatening health complications that left her in a coma for three months.
Job
Jacqueline is an entrepreneur who founded Pet Gear Elite, an online store offering pet supplies. She launched the business in 2023, driven by her love for animals and her six pets. Her business also focuses on philanthropic efforts to support organizations that rescue and help abused, neglected, and abandoned animals worldwide.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s life has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. From her early years in Mississippi to her marriage to NFL legend Jerry Rice, Jacqueline has faced numerous challenges with grace and strength. Her health crisis and subsequent recovery are a testament to her resilience, and her successful entrepreneurial journey shows her determination to create a positive impact in the world. Despite the difficulties of her divorce, Jacqueline has remained focused on her children’s well-being and has built a fulfilling life for herself. Today, at 60 years old, she continues to inspire others with her story of survival, strength, and success.
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