Who Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell? The Real Story
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is an American entrepreneur and the ex-wife of NFL legend Jerry Rice. Born April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi, she survived a life-threatening three-month coma after childbirth in 1996 and later founded Pet Gear Elite, an online pet supply business focused on animal welfare.
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell gained public attention through her marriage to Jerry Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. But her story extends far beyond being an athlete’s spouse. She survived a medical crisis that nearly claimed her life, navigated a high-profile divorce, and built her own business from the ground up.
This article covers her complete journey from her Mississippi roots to becoming an independent entrepreneur.
Early Life in Mississippi
Jacqueline was born on April 4, 1964, in Starkville, Mississippi. Her father, known as Coach Mitchell, worked as a high school coach at Greenville High School. Her mother, Gloria Campbell, raised Jacqueline after her parents separated when she was young. In 1995, Gloria remarried Charles Campbell.
Growing up in a sports-oriented family shaped Jacqueline’s early years. She attended Greenville High School, where she participated in cheerleading and beauty pageants. In 1984, she won the Miss Black Greenville Teen title, showcasing her confidence and public-speaking skills.
After high school, Jacqueline enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi to continue her education. Her time in college set the stage for the meeting that would change her life trajectory.
Meeting Jerry Rice and Marriage
Jacqueline met Jerry Rice in 1985 at Mississippi Valley State University. She was 17, a high school senior. Jerry was 22 and making a name for himself as a college football player. Despite their age difference, they connected immediately.
Their relationship developed over four years while Jerry’s football career took off. He proposed in 1987, and they married on September 8, 1987, in a ceremony attended by family and close friends.
Throughout Jerry’s 20-season NFL career, Jacqueline supported him publicly. Jerry Rice set records that still stand today: 1,549 career receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, and 197 touchdown receptions. He won three Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers.
Jacqueline participated in charitable events alongside Jerry, including the March of Dimes in 1994. She balanced family responsibilities with the demands of being married to one of football’s biggest stars.
The Life-Threatening Health Crisis
In 1996, Jacqueline gave birth to their third child, Jada Symone Rice. What should have been a routine delivery turned into a medical emergency.
After the birth, Jacqueline experienced severe postpartum hemorrhage. This occurs when a woman loses more than 500 milliliters of blood after vaginal delivery or 1,000 milliliters after cesarean birth. The bleeding became life-threatening and required emergency surgery.
Despite medical intervention, Jacqueline slipped into a coma that lasted three months. Jerry Rice stayed at the hospital throughout this period, monitoring her condition. In an interview with Graham Bensinger, he described watching medical staff rush to save her life and realizing how serious the situation had become.
When Jacqueline woke from the coma, she faced significant physical challenges. She had lost all feeling in her legs and required a wheelchair for the first year of recovery.
Her rehabilitation took three years. The progression moved from wheelchair to walker, then to crutches, and finally to a cane before she could walk independently again. This recovery required intense physical therapy and unwavering family support.
Three Children and Family Life
Jacqueline and Jerry welcomed three children during their marriage:
Jaqui Bonet Rice was born in 1987. She married artist Trevion Gold in 2021 and maintains an active social media presence where she shares aspects of her life with followers.
Jerry Rice Jr. was born in 1991. He followed his father’s athletic path, playing college football before pursuing a brief NFL career. He later transitioned to real estate and sports nutrition promotion.
Jada Symone Rice was born in 1996. She faced health challenges when she contracted COVID-19 in 2020 but recovered with family support.
All three children received consistent support from both parents, even after the marriage ended. Jacqueline prioritized creating a stable environment for them despite the public scrutiny their family faced.
Marriage Breakdown and Divorce
In 2007, after nearly 20 years of marriage, Jacqueline filed for divorce. The separation came after revelations about Jerry’s extramarital affairs became public.
In December 2005, Jerry Rice was involved in a paternity suit with a woman named Djakarta Edwards. He confirmed during divorce proceedings that he fathered a child from this relationship in 2002, a son named Brenden Rice. The scandal revealed multiple affairs that occurred during the marriage.
The couple finalized their divorce in December 2009. Because they had no prenuptial agreement, the court ordered Jerry to split his assets with Jacqueline. Reports indicate she received between $15 million and $22 million as part of the settlement, though exact figures were never publicly confirmed.
Jacqueline did not receive alimony. Instead, the asset division provided her financial independence. Both parties agreed to focus on their children’s well-being despite their personal differences.
Life After Divorce and Entrepreneurship
Following the divorce, Jacqueline stepped away from the public spotlight. She focused on rebuilding her life independently and discovering her own professional identity.
In 2023, Jacqueline launched Pet Gear Elite, an online store selling pet supplies. She started the business because of her love for animals. She owns six pets: Royalty, King Louis, Bleu I.V., Elle V., QoeQoe, and ReignBeaux.
The business serves a dual purpose. Beyond retail sales, Jacqueline uses Pet Gear Elite to support animal welfare organizations. She partners with groups dedicated to rescuing and helping abused, neglected, and abandoned animals worldwide.
Her net worth remains undisclosed, but financial experts estimate it falls in the range of several million dollars. This includes her divorce settlement and earnings from her business ventures. Her ex-husband, Jerry Ric, has a reported net worth of $50 million as of 2024.
Co-Parenting Success Story
Despite their divorce, Jacqueline and Jerry maintained a working relationship for their children’s benefit. Jacqueline has spoken publicly about the importance of co-parenting and creating a positive environment despite family structure changes.
Their children frequently share photos and updates featuring both parents at family events. This suggests they successfully navigated the challenges that often accompany high-profile divorces.
Jerry Rice remarried in 2019 to Latisha Pelayo in a ceremony held at Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley. Jacqueline has kept her personal life private, but reports suggest she has moved on and focused on her business and family relationships.
Jacqueline’s Life Timeline
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Born in Starkville, Mississippi | Early life begins |
| 1984 | Won Miss Black Greenville Teen | Public recognition |
| 1985 | Met Jerry Rice | Relationship starts |
| 1987 | Married Jerry Rice (Sept 8) | 22-year marriage begins |
| 1987 | Daughter Jaqui Bonet was born | First child |
| 1991 | Son Jerry Rice Jr. was born | Second child |
| 1996 | Daughter Jada was born and entered a coma | Life-threatening crisis |
| 1999 | Completed physical recovery | Regained mobility |
| 2007 | Filed for divorce | Marriage ends |
| 2009 | Divorce finalized (December) | Legal separation complete |
| 2023 | Founded Pet Gear Elite | Entrepreneurship begins |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
She is an American entrepreneur and the ex-wife of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. She founded Pet Gear Elite and survived a three-month coma after childbirth complications in 1996.
How long were Jacqueline and Jerry Rice married?
They married on September 8, 1987, and finalized their divorce in December 2009, making their marriage approximately 22 years.
What caused Jacqueline Mitchell’s coma?
Severe postpartum hemorrhaging after giving birth to her third child, Jada, in 1996, led to emergency surgery and a three-month coma. She spent three years recovering mobility.
How many children does Jacqueline Mitchell have?
She has three children with Jerry Rice: Jaqui Bonet (born 1987), Jerry Rice Jr. (born 1991), and Jada Symone (born 1996).
What is Pet Gear Elite?
Pet Gear Elite is an online pet supply business that Jacqueline founded in 2023. The company supports animal welfare organizations and reflects its passion for rescuing abused and neglected animals.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s story demonstrates strength through adversity. From surviving a medical crisis that could have ended her life to rebuilding after a public divorce, she created an independent path forward.
Her focus on family, entrepreneurship, and animal welfare shows that identity extends beyond relationships with famous partners. Today, she maintains privacy while running her business and supporting causes she cares about.
Her journey offers a reminder that recovery takes time, second chapters are possible, and building something meaningful requires both courage and persistence.