Brenda Jackson, mother of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, has died following a battle with cancer, JR Motorsports announced Monday. She was 65.
Formerly Brenda Gee, she married Dale Earnhardt in 1972. Together they had Kelley (1972) and Dale Jr. (1974) before separating.
Jackson was one of two daughters and four children to NASCAR fabricator Robert Gee, a Virginia native who built winning cars for racers, including Earnhardt.
After her separation from Earnhardt, the children stayed with her as Earnhardt tried to establish his racing career. After a fire claimed their home, Jackson moved back to Virginia while the children went to live with Earnhardt.
She remarried in 1985 to William M. Jackson Jr., a firefighter in Norfolk, Virginia. When he retired they moved back to North Carolina with step-daughter Meredith. Jackson joined JR Motorsports as an accounting specialist in 2004 and remained there through 2019.
Jackson is survived by her husband; her children Dale Earnhardt Jr. (wife Amy), Kelley Earnhardt Miller (husband L.W.), step-daughter Meredith Davis (husband Jonathan); her grandchildren Karsyn Elledge (18), Kennedy Elledge (13), Wyatt Miller (7), Callahan Davis (16), Claudia Davis (13), and Isla Rose Earnhardt (11 months); her brothers Robert Gee (wife Beverly) and Jimmy Gee; and her beloved Pekingese dog, Scully.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Piedmont Animal Rescue or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell.
I’m glad her suffering has ended and she can be at peace. She would be in tears of happiness over the words of support and remembrance she’s been shown today. Our family appreciates it as well. She will live in our hearts forever. https://t.co/ioFclazYhI
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 23, 2019
My mom, my biggest advocate and my friend...at peace that she’s at peace. No more suffering & no more pain...made new in the arms of Jesus, reunited w/ones she loves & as a believer I’ll be reunited w/ her one day. Thank you to all that are offering your prayers, hugs & support. https://t.co/DTUiC4my8R
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) April 22, 2019
Miss Brenda, we thank you for the all memories and the laughter. The office won’t be the same without you. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/CtPxq6VNWH
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) April 22, 2019
JRM mourns the passing of Brenda Jackson.
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) April 22, 2019
Full Story ➡️ https://t.co/sG47xurzfO pic.twitter.com/vF7280ZRWP
My heart breaks for @DaleJr @EarnhardtKelley and Miss Brenda’s entire family today. Please say a prayer for them, and give your loved ones a hug. https://t.co/7pQX2n3Dg4
— Justin Allgaier (@J_Allgaier) April 22, 2019
Man, this tears me up! I'll never forget the time YRB and I go over to Dales to have a few and she just starts giving me the hardest time. We laughed, and then fast forward to Dale & Amys wedding where I got the pleasure to share a dance with her. Rest in peace love! https://t.co/qdcrZgp3WI
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) April 22, 2019
Miss Brenda was truly one of a kind. A wonderful lady. She brightened everyone’s day who crossed her path. Thinking of her and her family today. https://t.co/0EUTajJFUX
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) April 22, 2019