Sheinelle Jones has sadly experienced another loss.
The 47-year-old Today with Jenna & Sheinelle host shared an update on social media, confirming the passing of her grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown.
The news comes less than a year after she lost her husband Uche Ojeh due to aggressive brain cancer.
Continue reading to learn more…
“It is with the heaviest heart that I announce the sudden passing of my grandmother,” she began in a tribute post.
“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 time, I’ll share the stories of how her advocacy changed the trajectory of my education and how she ‘lit up’ when I told her in 5th grade that I wanted to be a news reporter,” she 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. 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. Long before I was born, she was the first black woman elected to the board of education… she was notoriously *tough* and everyone knew it. Her mission was to make education equitable for all children. She was also a classically trained pianist and was the director of the music ministry at my church for as long as I can remember,” Sheinelle wrote.
“The joke was that if you couldn’t sing, ‘Jo Brown’ would pull a good voice out of you somehow! About 37 years ago, she started a choir called A.R.I.S.E. – African Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals, Ensemble. 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 imbedded in my DNA. To this day, that choir continues to perform… they’ve been everywhere over the last year from Paris to Washington DC.”
“Many of you also know that my grandfather and his father were among the first black doctors in our town… growing up – it felt like everyone went to Grandpapa for care.
Between the two of them, they exemplified what it means to squeeze the most out of life and to give. Life is so precious, and I can’t help but be changed by the last year and a half. Heaven has gained a new choir director, and our family has gained 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.)” she concluded.
Our thoughts are with Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
We have sadly already lost some beloved people in 2026. RIP.
