Brenda Lorraine Gee’s story continues to resonate across the NASCAR community because she represented so much more than the mother of two celebrated names. She was the quiet force behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, the daughter of legendary NASCAR fabricator Robert Gee, and a beloved employee of JR Motorsports whose personality shaped the culture of the organization. Born into racing heritage and later finding her own place within the sport, Brenda became a symbol of strength, humor, resilience, and unconditional love.
Her passing in April 2019 at age 65 after a battle with cancer left a deep emotional impact on fans, her family, and everyone at JR Motorsports. Her sarcastic humor, warmth, and straightforward approach made her unforgettable within the racing world. Brenda’s influence extended far beyond her family name—she was a woman who lived with honesty, courage, and devotion, and her story remains a treasured chapter in NASCAR history.
Profile Summary: Brenda Lorraine Gee
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brenda Lorraine Gee Jackson |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | April 22, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 65 Years |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Robert Edward Gee (Father), Hazel May Overton Clark (Mother) |
| Siblings | Sandra Gee (late sister), Robert Gee Jr., Jimmy Gee |
| Famous For | Mother of Dale Earnhardt Jr. & Kelley Earnhardt Miller |
| Occupation | Accounting Specialist at JR Motorsports |
| Years Active at JRM | 2004–2019 |
| First Husband | Dale Earnhardt Sr. (m. 1972–1979) |
| Second Husband | William (Willie) M. Jackson Jr. (m. 1985–2019) |
| Children | Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| Stepchildren | Meredith Davis |
| Grandchildren | Karsyn Elledge, Kennedy Elledge, Wyatt Miller, Callahan Davis, Claudia Davis, Isla Rose Earnhardt |
| Heritage | NASCAR racing family (daughter of legendary car builder Robert Gee) |
| Residence | North Carolina, USA (at time of passing) |
| Known For | Wit, humor, honesty, strong personality, dedication to family & JR Motorsports |
Who Was Brenda Lorraine Gee?
Brenda Lorraine Gee was born into NASCAR royalty as the daughter of Robert Gee, one of the most respected race-car builders in the sport’s early years. From childhood, she was surrounded by engines, welders, mechanics, and the high-energy culture of stock car racing. This upbringing shaped her understanding of the sport long before she met Dale Earnhardt Sr.
To the public, Brenda was known as a vibrant personality—sharp, humorous, honest, and deeply loyal. Co-workers at JR Motorsports described her as the heartbeat of the building, someone who could lighten the room with a witty comment and also guide people with tough love when it was needed. Fans admired her not because she was the mother of Dale Jr. and Kelley, but because her authenticity shone through every story shared about her. Her identity was built on resilience, independence, and the quiet strength that carried her through some of the most challenging moments of her life.
Early Life of Brenda Lorraine Gee
Growing up as the daughter of Robert Edward Gee and Hazel May Overton Clark, Brenda’s childhood was woven deeply into the fabric of early NASCAR culture. Her father built cars for top drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Sr., long before he became a legend. The Gee household was familiar with the struggles and excitement of racing life—tight budgets, long hours in the shop, and the constant hope of success. This environment created a girl who was tough, hardworking, and grounded in the values of family and perseverance.
Though details of her early schooling and teenage years remain largely private, what is known is that her upbringing in a racing family shaped her future relationships and later influenced how she supported her children as they entered the racing world. Before she ever married into the Earnhardt family, Brenda was already connected to the spirit of NASCAR.
Marriage to Dale Earnhardt Sr. — Love, Struggles & Building a Family in NASCAR’s Early Years
Brenda married Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 1972, at a time when he was still fighting for recognition in NASCAR. Their early years were filled with financial instability, long work days, and Dale’s relentless pursuit of a racing career. Together, they welcomed two children: Kelley, born in 1972, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., born in 1974.
Being the wife of a young, ambitious driver came with emotional challenges. Dale often traveled, raced, and worked tirelessly to secure opportunities, while Brenda managed the household and raised their children. Their marriage, though filled with love, was tested by the pressures of uncertainty and limited resources. By 1977, when Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s career began gaining traction, the couple separated. Their divorce marked a turning point in the family’s story, but it did not diminish Brenda’s commitment to her children or her admiration for Dale Sr.’s talent.
Motherhood — Raising Kelley and Dale Jr., Difficult Decisions & Unbreakable Bonds
After the divorce, Brenda took full responsibility for raising Kelley and Dale Jr. She worked hard to provide stability for them, even through financial hardships. Her life changed drastically when a house fire destroyed their home, leaving her without the means to support her children. In one of the most difficult decisions of her life, Brenda signed custody of Kelley and Dale Jr. over to their father, believing he could offer them the stable life she could not at that moment.
Both Kelley and Dale Jr. later described this as an act of deep love and sacrifice. Brenda remained a constant presence in their lives, traveling long distances for visits, holidays, and summer breaks. She filled her home with love, gifts, and memories that both children carried into adulthood. Despite the challenges and distance, Brenda’s bond with her children never weakened. Her strength, honesty, and maternal devotion shaped who they became as adults.
Life After Divorce — Moving to Virginia, Second Marriage & Rebuilding Her Life
After losing her home and separating from Dale Sr., Brenda moved to Virginia to rebuild her life. In 1985, she married Norfolk firefighter Willie Jackson, a supportive partner who brought stability and peace into her world. Together, they formed a blended family that included Willie’s daughter Meredith. For years, Brenda lived a quiet life focused on family, healing, and personal growth. After Willie’s retirement in 2004, they moved to North Carolina, where Brenda could be closer to Kelley and Dale Jr. This move reconnected her deeply with the NASCAR community and eventually brought her into JR Motorsports, where she found a second family and a renewed sense of purpose.
Career at JR Motorsports — Accounting Specialist, Team Culture & Her Influence Behind the Scenes
In 2004, Brenda joined JR Motorsports as an accounting specialist. What began as a standard administrative role evolved into Brenda becoming a cornerstone of the organization’s culture. She was known for her sarcastic humor, straightforward honesty, and quick wit—traits that brought life and laughter into the company.
Her presence helped shape JR Motorsports as it transformed from a small operation into a full-time NASCAR team in 2006 and a championship-winning organization in 2014. Employees often described her as the “soul” of the workplace, someone who made work feel like family. Brenda was dedicated, meticulous, and fiercely proud of her children’s achievements, yet she remained humble and approachable. To many, she was not just a co-worker—she was a mentor, friend, and guiding influence.
Relationship With Her Children — Pride, Love, Sacrifice & Emotional Reflections
Brenda’s relationship with Kelley and Dale Jr. was built on deep love and mutual respect. She often spoke proudly about Kelley’s high standards, leadership skills, and work ethic. Her admiration for Dale Jr. was equally heartfelt, especially regarding his honesty, humility, and compassion toward others. To Brenda, their achievements mattered, but their character meant the most. She was also a loving grandmother, cherishing time with her grandchildren: Karsyn, Kennedy, Wyatt, Callahan, Claudia, and Isla Rose.
Family remained her greatest joy, and she frequently expressed gratitude for being able to see her children succeed not just professionally, but personally.
Illness & Final Years
Brenda battled cancer with bravery and quiet strength. Even during treatment, she continued working at JR Motorsports and supporting her family, showing resilience that inspired everyone around her. Her illness was kept mostly private, but those close to her admired her determination to stay positive and active. She passed away on April 22, 2019, at age 65. JR Motorsports’ announcement honored her humor, honesty, and unforgettable spirit. Dale Jr. and Kelley shared emotional tributes, reflecting on how deeply she influenced their lives. Fans across the NASCAR community mourned her passing, remembering her as a bright, authentic presence who made a lasting impact.
Tributes From Family & NASCAR Community
Following her passing, tributes poured in from every corner of NASCAR. One of the most emotional was Dale Jr.’s Mother’s Day letter read on ESPN in 2017, where he expressed gratitude for her sacrifices, especially giving up custody to ensure their future. Kelley Earnhardt Miller also honored her mother’s resilience and strength, acknowledging the deep love Brenda carried for her family. JR Motorsports celebrated her role in shaping their team’s culture, and fans shared messages remembering her warmth, humor, and authenticity. Many remarked that Brenda’s influence was felt even by those who never met her personally because her children carried her values into their own careers and lives.
Brenda’s Legacy
Brenda’s legacy lives on through the Earnhardt family, the Gee family, JR Motorsports, and the countless people who were touched by her presence. Her story is one of sacrifice, resilience, maternal devotion, and unwavering strength. She supported racing not from the spotlight but from the background—raising children who shaped NASCAR history and nurturing a workplace culture at JRM that still carries her spirit. Her legacy is not defined by fame but by the values she lived: honesty, hard work, humor, loyalty, and love. These qualities continue to influence her children, grandchildren, and the racing world she was surrounded by from birth.
Conclusion
Brenda Lorraine Gee’s journey reflects the heart of NASCAR’s human side—a story of family, sacrifice, love, loss, and enduring impact. From her childhood in a racing household to becoming the mother of two influential figures in motorsports, from rebuilding her life after hardship to becoming a beloved member of JR Motorsports, Brenda’s life was defined by courage and resilience. Her memory lives on not only in her children’s achievements but in the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her. She remains a cherished figure in NASCAR history, a devoted mother, a beloved wife, a proud Gee family daughter, and a woman whose strength and spirit continue to inspire fans today.
FAQs About Brenda Lorraine Gee
1. Who was Brenda Lorraine Gee?
Brenda Lorraine Gee, also known as Brenda Jackson, was the mother of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and the daughter of legendary NASCAR fabricator Robert Gee.
2. How did Brenda Lorraine Gee die?
Brenda Lorraine Gee passed away on April 22, 2019, at age 65 after a battle with cancer.
3. What was Brenda Gee’s role at JR Motorsports?
She worked as an accounting specialist at JR Motorsports from 2004 until her passing and was known for her humor, honesty, and strong influence on company culture.
4. Who were Brenda Lorraine Gee’s husbands?
Her first husband was NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. Her second husband was Norfolk firefighter William (Willie) M. Jackson Jr., whom she married in 1985.
5. How many children did Brenda Gee have?
She had two biological children—Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Earnhardt Jr.—and one stepdaughter, Meredith Davis.
6. What happened during the Earnhardt family house fire?
After a house fire left Brenda and her children homeless, she made the difficult decision to give custody of Kelley and Dale Jr. to their father, believing it would secure a better life for them.
7. Why is Brenda Lorraine Gee important in NASCAR history?
Her legacy is tied to her role as the mother of two major NASCAR figures, her work at JR Motorsports, and her connection to the Gee-Earnhardt racing lineage.
8. What was Brenda Gee known for personally?
She was known for her sarcastic humor, straightforward personality, deep love for her family, and her supportive role behind the scenes in the Earnhardt racing family.
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