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today co-host Hinelle Jones yes mourn death 96 year old grandma, Josephine Vonsel Pace Brown.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the sudden passing of my grandmother,” Jones, 47, wrote on social media. Instagram Saturday, January 3rd. “She passed away early on New Year’s Eve at the age of 96. Anyone who knew me knows that ‘Grandma’ Josephine von Seal Pace Brown meant the world to me.”
She continued, “[She]was my best friend, my confidant, and my unapologetic cheerleader. I would share in time the story of how her advocacy changed the trajectory of my education and how she was ‘excited’ when I told her in fifth grade that I wanted to be a news reporter. Her standards of excellence are extremely high, but I am inspired by her belief in me and constant affirmation when she sees me put in the work.”
Jones further reflected on why her relationship with Brown is “extra special.”
The Today show host gave some insight into how Sheinelle Jones is coping with the death of husband Uche Ojeh. On May 23, Savannah Guthrie announced on the NBC morning show that Ojeh had passed away at the age of 45 after a private battle with brain cancer glioblastoma. “There are no words to describe (…)
“She was so focused that she transcended the context of her own very successful life,” the TV reporter recalled. “She was the first black woman elected to the Board of Education long before I was born… She had a reputation for being ‘tough,’ and everyone knew it. Her mission was to get an equitable education for all children. She was also a classically trained pianist, and she had been the director of music ministries at my church for as long as I can remember.”
Jones concluded, “Life is so precious and I can’t help but be changed over the past year and a half. Heaven has a new choir director and our family has a new angel.”
Just seven months before Brown’s death, Jones lost her husband, Ou Jie’s thoughts, May 2025, after battling brain cancer.
Hinelle Jones with her grandmother and mother.
Courtesy Sheinelle Jones/Instagram“It is with deep sadness that we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our dear friend, today Co-host Sheinelle Jones has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. “ Savannah Guthrie Announce In the May 2025 broadcast. “Words cannot describe the pain we feel for Sheinelle and their three young children. Uche was an incredible man. We all loved him.”
In addition to Jones, Ojeh leaves behind the couple’s three children: 15-year-old son Kayin and 12-year-old twins Clara and Uche.
Jones initially did not publicly disclose Oyer’s diagnosis but later broke off today while he was undergoing treatment.
“I know I’m strong, but I don’t want to be so strong that I miss out on the blessings in front of me (and) miss out on the fight,” Jones said. during her return today September 2025. “(I didn’t want to miss) looking into his eyes because sometimes I was his oxygen.”
After more than a decade at NBC, Sheinelle Jones will (officially) be bringing her talents to the 10 AM show with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager. Jones’ new gig was announced on Tuesday, December 9th. Hager previously co-hosted with Hoda Kotb for 5 years. Kotb’s longtime fans were shocked when she announced her plans in September 2024(…)
She continued, “I wanted to be proud[of being there for Uche]so that was the only reason I thought, ‘Okay, it’s time.'” I always knew I would know when to step off the treadmill for a second — and he wasn’t too happy with me when I told him I was taking time off. “
Although Ojeh was initially hesitant, Jones said there was no place she wanted to be more than with her husband of 17 years.
“It’s weird to me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been showing up at 3 a.m., you know? But it was a great time and I’m glad I can say I wouldn’t trade it,” she said. “I lived through Christmas, I lived through every morning (and) I lived through New Year’s. I lived through all the days. I was fully present. I fought for my joy, I fought for my existence.”
