'Today's Sheinelle Jones Suffers Another Family Loss Months After Husband's Death
- - 'Today's Sheinelle Jones Suffers Another Family Loss Months After Husband's Death
Michelle SteinJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:21 AM
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Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Today co-anchor Sheinelle Jones suffered another family loss, her "Grandmama" Josephine, just months after her husband Uche Ojeh's death.
On Saturday, Jan. 3, the newly promoted Jenna & Sheinelle host took to Instagram to announce devastating news.
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"It is with the heaviest heart that I announce the sudden passing of my grandmother. 😢," Jones, 47, wrote alongside a carousel of photos of herself and her grandma. "She passed early in the morning on New Year’s Eve at the age of 96. Anyone who knows me, knows that 'Grandmama,' Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, was my world; my best buddy, my confidante and my unapologetic cheerleader."
In her lengthy tribute, Jones promised to share more stories about how her grandmother influenced her education and supported her dream of becoming a news reporter.
"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," she detailed. "What makes our relationship extra special—is the fact that she was so attentive, beyond the backdrop of a highly successful life of her own."
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Before Jones was born, Josephine was the first Black woman elected to her local board of education. "She was notoriously *tough* and everyone knew it," she noted. "Her mission—to make education equitable for all children."
Additionally, Jones' grandmother was a pianist and served as the director of the music ministry at her church.
"About 37 years ago, she started a choir called A.R.I.S.E. - African Americans Renewing Interest in Spiritals, Ensemble," the NBC morning show host continued. "I grew up listening to traditional Spirituals… songs passed down from our ancestors… they sang of struggle, love, faith, resilience and triumph. Those hymns are embedded in my DNA. To this day, that choir continues to perform … they’ve been everywhere over the last year, from Paris to Washington DC."
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Jones also shared that her grandfather and his father were among the first Black doctors in their town. "Between the two of them, they exemplified what it means to squeeze the most out of life and to give," she wrote.
To conclude her update, Jones reminded her followers, "Life is so precious, and I can’t help but to be changed by the last year and a half. Heaven has gained a new choir director, and our family —a new angel. (She used to play Lou Rawls when I was little, I would giggle as she sang along; this song is for her. 🥹) 🎶🎶."
In the comments, Instagram users flooded Jones with condolences and prayers. One follower shared, "She was an AMAZING woman. I am so very sorry for your loss💔."
Another wrote, "It is easy to see where your beautiful light comes from! Condolences to you and your family. You surely have two beautiful angels. ❤️."
Someone else commented, "Sending deepest condolences and prayers, but oh how blessed you are to have such an amazing grandmother that shaped you and countless others. Such a legacy lives eternally! 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽😇."
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user echoed, "Ohhh Sheinelle, my heart goes out to you! What a legacy she left, and I see her in you! 🙏🏽♥️."
The death of Jones' grandmother came seven months after her husband, Uche, died in May after a battle with brain cancer.
Next: Today’s Sheinelle Jones Bids Emotional Goodbye on Final Day Hosting Third Hour
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
