Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell often referred to as Jacqueline “Jackie” Mitchell, is best known as the former wife of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice. The couple were married for more than two decades and shares three children together. While her name appears frequently in connection with one of football’s most celebrated athletes, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has consistently maintained a private life, with limited publicly documented personal details. This article presents a carefully corrected, fact-based profile focused on what is reliably known without speculation, covering her marriage, children, divorce timeline, and current public status.
Quick Facts About Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
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Full name: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell
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Also known as: Jackie Mitchell
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Known for: Former wife of Jerry Rice
- Date of Birth: October 27, 1939
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Marriage date: September 8, 1987
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Divorce filed: June 2007
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Divorce finalized: December 2009
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Children: Three (Jaqui Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., Jada Rice)
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Public presence: Private, non-celebrity life
Public Recognition and Notability
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is known publicly due to her long marriage to Jerry Rice, whose NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and other teams established him as one of the most accomplished players in league history. Their marriage coincided with many of Rice’s career milestones, drawing natural public interest to his family life. Unlike many spouses of professional athletes, Mitchell did not seek media attention, endorsements, or a public-facing role. Her recognition remains entirely contextual, tied to her former marriage rather than independent celebrity activity.
Early Life and Personal Background
Verified public sources provide very limited information about Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell’s early life, including her birthplace, education, or career pursuits before marriage. This lack of documentation reflects a consistent pattern of privacy rather than missing records. No reputable sources confirm specific details beyond her identity and family role, and responsible biographical coverage avoids assumptions or unverified claims.
Marriage to Jerry Rice
Relationship and Wedding
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell married Jerry Rice on September 8, 1987. Their marriage lasted over 22 years, a notably long duration given the pressures and visibility associated with professional sports careers. During their marriage, Rice’s NFL career reached historic heights, while Mitchell focused on family life. The couple generally avoided public controversy and rarely discussed their relationship in the media.
See Also: Jerry Rice
Divorce and Separation
After more than 20 years together, their marriage ended.
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June 2007: Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell filed for divorce
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December 2009: The divorce was officially finalized
The proceedings were handled with discretion. Neither party released extensive public statements, and available information confirms that the separation was conducted largely outside of public scrutiny.
Children and Family
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell and Jerry Rice share three children:
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Jaqui Rice: Lives a private life with minimal public exposure
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Jerry Rice Jr.: Played college football and later pursued professional opportunities in football
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Jada Rice: Has appeared in media and entertainment-related projects
Mitchell’s role as a mother has been consistently acknowledged in credible accounts of the Rice family, though she herself has remained out of the spotlight.
Life After Divorce
Since the conclusion of her marriage, Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell has continued to live away from public attention. She does not maintain verified public social media profiles, does not participate in interviews, and is not associated with publicly confirmed business ventures or entertainment projects. Online estimates regarding her net worth or lifestyle are not supported by authoritative sources and should be treated with caution.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
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Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell should not be confused with other individuals who share similar names.
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Images or social media accounts attributed to her online are often misidentified or unverified.
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There is no confirmed public financial disclosure associated with her.
Timeline Overview
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September 8, 1987: Marriage to Jerry Rice
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1987–2007: Married life and family years
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June 2007: Divorce filed
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December 2009: Divorce finalized
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2010–present: Private life outside public media
Final Thoughts
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best understood not as a public figure, but as a private individual whose name is historically linked to one of the greatest athletes in NFL history. Her long marriage to Jerry Rice, her role as a mother to their three children, and her consistent choice to remain out of the spotlight define her public record. By respecting verified facts and avoiding speculation, her story remains one of discretion, privacy, and quiet significance rather than celebrity exposure.
FAQs:
1. Who is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell?
Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell is best known as the former wife of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and the mother of his three children.
2. When did Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell marry Jerry Rice?
She married Jerry Rice on September 8, 1987.
3. When was Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell divorced from Jerry Rice?
She filed for divorce in June 2007, and it was finalized in December 2009.
4. How many children does Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell have?
She has three children with Jerry Rice: Jaqui Rice, Jerry Rice Jr., and Jada Rice.
5. Is Jacqueline Bernice Mitchell active on social media or in public life?
No. She maintains a private life and does not have a verified public social media presence.