Brenda Lorraine Gee (later Brenda Jackson) was a beloved figure in the NASCAR world. Born on January 3, 1954, she grew up in a racing family as the daughter of famed NASCAR fabricator Robert Gee. After a long battle with illness, she passed away on April 22, 2019 at age 65. In her lifetime, Brenda became best known as the mother of two NASCAR personalities – Kelley Earnhardt Miller and seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. – and as a longtime JR Motorsports accounting specialist. Her wit and warmth left a lasting imprint on her racing family and community.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brenda Lorraine Gee (also known as Brenda Jackson) |
| Born | January 3, 1954 |
| Died | April 22, 2019 (age 65) |
| Parents | Robert Gee (father, NASCAR car fabricator) |
| Spouse(s) | Dale Earnhardt (m.1972–1979) William M. “Bill” Jackson Jr. (m.1985–2019) |
| Children | Kelley Earnhardt Miller (b.1972) Dale Earnhardt Jr. (b.1974) |
| Occupation | Accounting Specialist at JR Motorsports (2004–2019) |
Overview of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Brenda Lorraine Gee’s life was closely intertwined with auto racing from the start. Growing up in North Carolina as the daughter of Robert Gee, a legendary race car builder, she spent her early years surrounded by racetracks and garages. In 1972 she married NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., and together they had two children: daughter Kelley and son Dale Jr. Though not a driver herself, Brenda later joined her family’s racing enterprise, serving as an accounting specialist at JR Motorsports for 15 years. Throughout, she was known for her sharp humor and steady dedication – a cornerstone of the Earnhardt racing family.
Birth & Background of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Family Roots
Brenda Lorraine Gee was born on January 3, 1954. She grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, in a family deeply rooted in motorsports. Her father, Robert Gee, was a prominent NASCAR car fabricator who built engines and chassis for top drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Sr.. Robert Gee’s reputation in the racing community meant Brenda’s childhood was steeped in the world of stock cars, shop lights, and racing schedules. She was one of four children in the Gee family, learning early the work ethic and passion that characterized NASCAR families of that era.
Childhood of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Early Years in Racing Family
Growing up in a racing family, Brenda was no stranger to the roar of engines and the smell of gasoline. From a young age, she likely spent weekends at the track with her father, absorbing the culture of NASCAR race day rituals. While specific details of her childhood education are not widely documented, it’s clear that Brenda’s upbringing was framed by the fast-paced life of auto racing. This early exposure laid the groundwork for her later life, both in her marriage to a champion driver and in her own career supporting racing teams.
Education of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Academic Journey
There are no public records of Brenda’s formal education. It’s likely she attended local schools in North Carolina during the 1960s, though the specifics remain private. What is evident is that Brenda developed strong organizational and accounting skills – she later became a valued accounting specialist at JR Motorsports. Her ability to handle team finances and paperwork suggests she had at least a high school education and possibly some further training. Ultimately, her education served her well in the racing world, even if the details are not part of public record.
Career Start of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Early Career
Brenda’s own career trajectory was largely private until the 2000s. After her separation from Dale Earnhardt Sr. and remarriage, she eventually moved back to North Carolina and re-entered the racing community. In 2004, Brenda officially joined JR Motorsports – the racing team owned by her children – as an accounting specialist. This role was essentially the start of her documented professional career. For nearly 15 years she handled financial records, billing, and office management for the team. Even in this behind-the-scenes position, Brenda’s personality shone through: JRM teammates noted that her “sarcastic musings” and sharp humor became part of the team’s fabric as it grew.
Career Success of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Rise at JR Motorsports
Brenda’s work at JR Motorsports coincided with the team’s own rise. By the mid-2000s, JRM had become a full-time NASCAR racing operation; by 2014 it was a championship-winning outfit. Throughout this period, Brenda provided a steady hand in the office. Team announcements and news articles emphasized that she not only managed budgets and schedules but also boosted morale with her wit. As one JRM statement put it, her “sarcastic sense of humor” injected a brand of laughter into the garage. This blend of competence and warmth made her a beloved figure at the track. Her decades of service and loyalty to the Earnhardt team are now part of JR Motorsports’ history.
Personal Life of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Marriage to Dale Earnhardt
In 1972, Brenda Gee married rising NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Sr.. The Earnhardts were a high-profile couple in racing circles. During their marriage, Brenda gave birth to two children: daughter Kelley Earnhardt (born 1972) and son Dale Earnhardt Jr. (born 1974). Both children would go on to prominent roles in NASCAR. While Dale Sr. chased his racing dreams, Brenda initially raised the kids. The Earnhardts separated in the late 1970s, and Brenda took care of Kelley and Dale Jr. full-time. Despite the divorce, her bond with Dale Sr. and her connection to the racing world remained strong.
Second Marriage and Family
After her divorce, Brenda eventually built a new family. In 1985 she married Norfolk firefighter William M. “Bill” Jackson Jr.. The Jacksons settled first in Virginia. Willie Jackson had a daughter, Meredith, from a previous relationship, making Brenda a stepmother as well. Later, when Willie retired, the couple moved back to North Carolina so Brenda could work alongside her own children’s team. By then, Brenda was a grandmother many times over: she was survived by six grandchildren by the time of her passing. Throughout her personal life, family remained her top priority, and she was often seen supporting her kids and grandkids at races and events.
Major Events in Brenda Lorraine Gee’s Life
House Fire and Custody
One of the most dramatic events in Brenda’s life occurred in the late 1970s. When her daughter Kelley was about eight years old, a house fire destroyed the family home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The blaze left Brenda, Kelley, and young Dale Jr. with nothing. Facing overwhelming hardship, Brenda made the heartbreaking decision to sign custody of the children over to Dale Sr. so they could have a more stable life. After the fire, Brenda moved to Virginia to rebuild her life; Kelley and Dale Jr. went to live with their father. This episode, detailed in interviews and retrospectives, was a pivotal moment: it ultimately brought the children closer to their father and laid the groundwork for their future in racing.
Challenges Faced by Brenda Lorraine Gee
Battling Illness
Brenda faced serious challenges in her adult life, both personal and health-related. After years of supporting her family and career, she was diagnosed with cancer in the 2010s. She fought the disease bravely, but it ultimately claimed her life. On April 22, 2019 Brenda Lorraine Gee Jackson passed away at age 65 following her cancer battle. The news was announced by JR Motorsports, noting her passing and the 15 years she spent helping the team. Tributes poured in from all corners of NASCAR. Dale Jr. himself tweeted how grateful he was that her suffering ended and that she “will live in our hearts forever”. Brenda’s humor and resilience in facing illness were remembered fondly by friends and family.
Later Years of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Role at JR Motorsports
In her later years, Brenda found new purpose working in the family racing business. As an accounting specialist for JR Motorsports from 2004 until her death, she handled everything from invoices to personnel logistics. Her children often joked that Brenda was the one keeping the engine of the team running smoothly off-camera. In interviews, Brenda expressed pride in her position. In 2018 she told JRM reporters, “I’m a very, very lucky woman, as I get to interact with my kids almost every day,” reflecting her joy at being part of Kelley and Dale Jr.’s world. Colleagues remember her style as practical and familial. While drivers raced on the track, Brenda took care of the “ledgers and schedules” in the back office, providing the continuity that helped the team succeed.
Impact of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Legacy in NASCAR Family
Brenda Lorraine Gee’s impact is seen today in the Earnhardt racing legacy. As the mother of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, she helped shape two influential NASCAR figures. Both Kelley and Dale Jr. have credited their mother’s strength in interviews. Beyond family ties, Brenda left a cultural mark on JR Motorsports and the broader community. Teammates frequently recall her as the “glue” and the voice of reason behind the scenes. Team statements after her death emphasized her contributions: her blend of wit and professionalism “became part of [JRM’s] fabric” over the years. She also championed important causes. Brenda was a staunch advocate for her son’s health, supporting his decision to retire from racing for safety reasons, and remained a tireless supporter of The Dale Jr. Foundation and other charities. These charitable efforts are part of the Earnhardt family’s off-track legacy. In sum, Brenda’s legacy is one of quiet dedication: she helped keep a racing dynasty together and is remembered as a steady, practical presence who enabled champions to thrive.
Conclusion
Brenda Lorraine Gee led a remarkable life of family and endurance. She was never in the driver’s seat herself, but as a daughter, wife, mother, and team member she powered a racing dynasty behind the scenes. From her early days with cars in her blood to her final days supporting JR Motorsports, Brenda’s story is woven into NASCAR history. Her legacy lives on in her children’s careers, the team she helped build, and the many who remember her wit and warmth. In the end, Brenda Lorraine Gee exemplified how one person’s strength and humor can fuel an entire family’s pursuit of greatness on the racetrack.
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