Sheinelle Jones Mourns Loss of Grandmother Amidst Ongoing Grief for Late Husband

Key Takeaways

• Sheinelle Jones is mourning the loss of her grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, who passed away at the age of 96
• Jones’ grandmother was her "best buddy" and "unapologetic cheerleader" who played a significant role in her life and career
• Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, passed away in May 2025 after being diagnosed with brain cancer
• Jones has been focusing on finding "beauty in the nightmare" and squeezing the most out of life after her losses

Introduction to Sheinelle Jones’ Loss
Sheinelle Jones, a cohost of the Today show, is grieving the loss of another beloved family member. Just seven months after the tragic death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, Jones announced the passing of her grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, on January 3. Jones shared a heartfelt Instagram post, honoring her late grandmother and describing her as her "best buddy" and "unapologetic cheerleader." The post included a carousel of photos, showcasing the special bond between Jones and her grandmother.

The Significance of Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown
Jones’ grandmother played a significant role in her life, providing unwavering support and encouragement. According to Jones, her grandmother’s belief in her was a driving force behind her success. Jones wrote, "Her standard of excellence was extremely high- but I was fueled by her belief in me and constant affirmation when she saw me put in the work." Jones also highlighted her grandmother’s impressive achievements, including being the first black woman elected to the board of education and a classically trained pianist. Her grandmother’s accomplishments and character had a profound impact on Jones, shaping her into the person she is today.

A Family of Achievers
Jones’ family has a history of achievement and excellence. Her late grandfather was among the first Black doctors in their hometown, and together, her grandparents "exemplified what it means to squeeze the most out of life and to give." Jones’ own career as a TV anchor and host is a testament to the values and principles instilled in her by her grandparents. The photos shared by Jones included sweet family moments, showcasing the love and admiration between her and her grandmother.

Coping with Loss
Jones has been open about her experiences with loss, particularly after the death of her husband in May 2025. In an interview with Savannah Guthrie, Jones shared that her heart was "shattered in a million pieces" after Uche’s passing. However, she also emphasized the importance of finding "beauty in the nightmare" and making the most of the time they have. Jones stated, "Cancer doesn’t have to steal our joy. We can get up, we can get out of bed, and we can go to work, we can go to school, we can squeeze the most out of the days that we have." This resilience and determination are a reflection of the values and strength passed down to her by her grandparents.

A New Chapter
As Jones navigates this new chapter in her life, she is surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends. Her grandmother’s passing has left a void, but Jones is determined to keep her memory alive and continue to make her proud. With her newfound role as the cohost of the fourth hour of Today, Jones is poised to continue her success and make a lasting impact in the world of television. As she moves forward, Jones will undoubtedly carry the lessons and values learned from her grandmother with her, honoring her legacy and keeping her memory close to her heart.