Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best known as the first wife of Jerry Rice, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. While Rice’s career is famous, Mitchell’s story is quieter but still very important. She supported him during the early years, raised children with him, and went through personal challenges that shaped her life. Many people search for who is Jerry Rice’s ex wife or how old is Jerry Rice wife, and the answer takes us back to Jacqueline’s journey.
Quick Bio Table of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell |
| Known For | First wife of Jerry Rice |
| Date of Birth | Reported as April 4, 1964 (unverified) |
| Age (2025) | Around 61 years (if DOB correct) |
| Birthplace | Mississippi, USA (unverified) |
| Spouse | Jerry Rice (m. 1987 – div. 2009) |
| Children | Jaqui Bonet, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Symone |
| Marriage Date | September 8, 1987 |
| Divorce Finalized | December 2009 |
| Notable Life Event | 1996 medical emergency after birth of Jada |
| Current Status | Lives privately after divorce |
| Public Net Worth | Unknown (not publicly confirmed) |
| Connection to NFL | Married during Jerry’s peak 49ers career |
Early Life of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
There is limited public information about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell before her marriage. Some reports claim she was born in Mississippi and grew up in a close community, but verified records are not fully available. What is clear is that she met Jerry Rice before he became a superstar. At the time, Rice was already showing promise at Mississippi Valley State University, and Jacqueline became a steady presence in his personal life.
Marriage to Jerry Rice
The story of Jerry Rice and wife Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell began in the 1980s. The two married on September 8, 1987, the same year Jerry was already shining with the San Francisco 49ers. Their marriage came at a time when Rice was building his career, and Jacqueline provided balance as he focused on football. Together, they started a family and appeared as a strong couple in public, even though they valued privacy away from the cameras.
Family and Children
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice had three children together: Jaqui Bonet Rice (born 1987), Jerry Rice Jr. (born 1991), and Jada Symone Rice (born 1996). Each child has followed their own path. Jaqui became an entrepreneur, Jerry Jr. played football at UCLA and UNLV, and Jada studied psychology before starting her career. These children remain a strong connection between Jacqueline and Jerry, even after their separation.
A Serious Health Scare in 1996
Life changed for Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell in 1996 after giving birth to Jada Symone Rice. She suffered a dangerous medical emergency caused by heavy bleeding. Reports at the time said she was in critical condition for 10 days, while Jerry later shared she was in a coma for three months. This was one of the most difficult periods for their family. It showed Jacqueline’s strength and the risks she faced while supporting her family.
Challenges in the Marriage
Like many couples in the public eye, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice had challenges. Over the years, reports of Jerry’s lifestyle and fame added pressure. By June 2007, Jacqueline filed for divorce after almost 20 years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in December 2009. Even though their relationship ended, she remained known as Jerry Rice’s first wife, and people still search “who is Jerry Rice’s ex wife” to learn about her.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell chose a very private life. Unlike Jerry, who remarried in 2019 to Latisha Pelayo, Jacqueline stayed out of the spotlight. Some blogs claim she started a small business and focused on pets, but these details are not confirmed by major news. What is clear is that she wanted peace and privacy, focusing on her children and personal life away from fame.
Net Worth and Finances
People often ask about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell net worth. Unlike Jerry Rice, whose career earnings and business ventures are widely reported, Jacqueline’s financial details are private. Some online sources estimate numbers, but these are not supported by real records. Her real net worth is unknown. What can be said is that after a long marriage to one of the NFL’s wealthiest stars, she likely received financial security in the divorce settlement.
Relationship With Her Children
Even after separating from Jerry, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has been close with her children. Jerry Rice Jr. has spoken about both parents’ support during his career. Jaqui Bonet and Jada Symone also maintain family connections. While Jerry’s fame is often discussed, Jacqueline’s role as a mother shows her lasting importance. For many fans searching Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell Jerry Rice wife, it’s her role in family life that stands out most.
Jacqueline’s Privacy Today
Unlike many ex-wives of celebrities, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has avoided social media attention. There are very few interviews or public appearances. This privacy has protected her from constant media stories, but it also means that much of her life is not documented. For people who search how old is Jerry Rice wife, the only widely repeated claim is that she was born in 1964, which would make her 61 years old in 2025. Still, this detail is not fully verified.
Jerry Rice’s Career During the Marriage
While married to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, Jerry Rice reached his peak as a player. He won three Super Bowls with the 49ers, earned the title of Super Bowl XXIII MVP, and broke records that still stand today. Behind this success, Jacqueline was managing family life and raising their children. Her role in those years is often overlooked, but without her support, Jerry’s focus on football may have been harder to maintain.
Divorce and Moving Forward
The divorce between Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice in 2009 ended a long chapter. Divorce after more than 20 years is not easy, especially when fame and media are involved. Yet Jacqueline handled it quietly. Jerry moved on to new relationships and later remarried, while Jacqueline focused on her personal path. For those who wonder who is Jerry Rice’s ex wife, her story shows strength in keeping dignity after a high-profile split.
Public Curiosity and Online Searches
There is still great curiosity about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell. Searches like jacqueline bernice mitchell net worth, jacqueline bernice mitchell jerry rice wife, and how old is Jerry Rice wife show people want to know more. While answers are limited, her identity as Jerry’s first wife and the mother of his children remains her public legacy. She is not just an ex-wife of a star but part of the history of one of football’s greatest players.
Legacy of Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
Even without public fame, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has a legacy. She shared her life with Jerry Rice during his prime years, raised three children who found their own paths, and overcame a serious health crisis. She is remembered as strong, private, and family-centered. For those exploring the story of Jerry Rice and wife, knowing Jacqueline’s role gives a fuller picture of the man’s journey and the woman who stood by him in his early years.
Final Thoughts
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell may not live in the spotlight, but her story matters. She represents the personal side of a public legend’s life. Her marriage to Jerry Rice, her children, her health challenges, and her choice of privacy show resilience. While fans may always connect her name with the NFL star, she remains a figure with her own journey. Whenever someone asks who is Jerry Rice’s ex wife, the answer is clear: it is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, a woman of strength and quiet dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Jerry Rice’s ex-wife?
A1: Jerry Rice’s ex-wife is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell, his first spouse and mother of three children.
Q2: When did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice get married?
A2: They married on September 8, 1987, during Rice’s rise with the San Francisco 49ers.
Q3: How many children do Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice have?
A3: They share three children: Jaqui Bonet Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Symone Rice.
Q4: What happened to Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell in 1996?
A4: After Jada’s birth, she had a serious health emergency and was in critical condition for days.
Q5: What is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s net worth?
A5: Her net worth is not publicly known, and any online figures are estimates without proof.
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