“Today” co-anchor Sheinelle Jones announced the death of her grandmother, Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, who died on New Year’s Eve at age 96.
Jones shared news of her grandmother’s “sudden passing” in an Instagram post on Saturday, describing Brown as a central figure in her life.
“Anyone who knows me, knows that ‘Grandmama,’ Josephine Vonceal Pace Brown, was my world; my best buddy, my confidante and my unapologetic cheerleader,” the 47-year-old broadcaster wrote.
The loss marks another difficult chapter for Jones, who lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer in May, Parade noted.
Brown left a legacy as an educator and community leader, according to Jones. She became the first Black woman elected to her local board of education, working toward what Jones called a clear goal.
“Her mission—to make education equitable for all children,” Jones wrote.
A classically trained pianist, Brown served as music director at her church and founded a choir called A.R.I.S.E., which stands for African Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals, Ensemble, about 37 years ago.
“I grew up listening to traditional Spirituals… songs passed down from our ancestors… they sang of struggle, love, faith, resilience and triumph,” Jones wrote. “Those hymns are embedded in my DNA.”
Jones noted her family’s history of service, mentioning that her grandfather and great-grandfather 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.
Jones ended her tribute by reflecting on recent hardships: “Life is so precious… Heaven has gained a new choir director, and our family —a new angel.”
