Sheinelle Jones has shared an emotional tribute following the loss of her beloved grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, who passed away at the age of 96.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the TODAY co-host revealed that her grandmother died suddenly in the early hours of New Year’s Eve. Alongside a series of cherished family photos, Sheinelle described the woman she affectionately called “Grandmama” as the center of her world — a constant source of love, strength, and unwavering belief.
Sheinelle reflected on how deeply her grandmother shaped her life, especially during her childhood. She credited her with encouraging her early dream of becoming a journalist, recalling how Brown beamed with pride when she shared her ambitions as a young girl. That belief, Sheinelle said, pushed her to work harder and aim higher.
Despite her deep devotion to family, Brown also led a remarkable life of her own. Long before Sheinelle was born, she broke barriers as the first Black woman elected to her local board of education. Known for her toughness and high standards, she dedicated her life to fighting for fairness and equal opportunity in education.
Music was another defining part of Brown’s legacy. A classically trained pianist, she led her church’s music ministry for decades and founded a choir dedicated to preserving traditional spirituals. Those songs, Sheinelle shared, became a permanent part of her identity — woven into her sense of faith, resilience, and history.
Sheinelle described her grandparents as people who lived generously, pouring their energy into both family and community. Their example, she said, taught her how to live fully and give freely.
The loss comes during an already painful chapter for Sheinelle, who also lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer in 2025. In her tribute, she shared an image honoring both loved ones, calling them her “forever angels.”
Reflecting on the past year, Sheinelle wrote that grief has changed her perspective on life, making every moment feel more fragile — and more meaningful. She closed her message with a poignant image, saying heaven had gained a new choir director, while her family gained another angel watching over them.
Her TODAY colleagues and friends quickly filled the comments with messages of love and support, offering prayers and reminding her that her grandmother’s grace clearly lives on through her.
