Sheinelle Jones’ Family: Husband Uche Ojeh, Three Children, and Beyond
Sheinelle Jones boasts a large family both on and off the Today show.
Born in 1978 to parents Sheila Kinnard and Judge C. Darnell Jones, who are now divorced, Sheinelle is one of five siblings, including two sets of twins. She later became a mother to her own twins, Clara and Uche, along with her son Kayin, with husband Uche Ojeh, whom she married in 2007.
Over the years, several of Sheinelle’s family members have appeared on Today. However, she announced in January 2025 that she was taking a leave from the NBC morning program to address a “family health matter.” She did not disclose which family member was affected at that time.
“I truly appreciate the support from my Today show family, as well as from all of you,” she expressed to fans on Instagram after an absence of more than a week. “Your kindness means the world to me.”
Numerous colleagues from Today showed their support in the comments section of her post. “You are a queen; you are loved tremendously! We are always here for you ❤️,” wrote Jenna Bush Hager, while Savannah Guthrie commented, “We love you so much. It’s just not the same without you. We’ll see you soon ❤️.”
Scroll down to learn more about Sheinelle’s family members:
Judge C. Darnell Jones
Beginning his career in 1987, Sheinelle’s father served as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, according to his biography on the University of Pennsylvania’s law school website. Throughout his esteemed career, C. Darnell held titles such as President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Pennsylvania’s First Judicial District, and he was appointed Chair of the Administrative Governing Board of the First Judicial District by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He also lectured as an adjunct law professor at several institutions, including St. Joseph’s University, Temple University, The National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and UPenn.
Nominated for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by former President George W. Bush, C. Darnell was confirmed and sworn in in 2008. In November 2022, Sheinelle disclosed via Instagram that her father retired at the age of 73 after 35 years on the bench.
In November 2024, she and her siblings, along with their spouses and children, organized a surprise family reunion for C. Darnell’s 75th birthday. “This might be our best surprise yet!” she captioned an Instagram video from the event. “My father had no clue we were coming, pillows and air mattresses in tow! Happy 75th Birthday to the best dad & pop pop 🥰❤️❤️❤️.”
Sheila Kinnard
Like her former husband, Sheinelle’s mother is also retired, having worked as a drama instructor at Mayberry Cultural Fine Arts Middle School, as noted in her bio on The Forum Theater’s website. “She now fills her days with reading and staying active,” her bio states. “Since 1998, audiences have appreciated her talents in numerous productions and musicals in Wichita. She adheres to her motto: ‘Expect the best, and the best is what you’ll get.’”
In July 2024, Sheinelle posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to her mom via Instagram. “To the woman who has always patiently addressed my needs … even during photo ops! ☺️ (Now, I can ask all the questions I want for a living! Ha),” she wrote alongside photos of their time together over the years. “I am incredibly thankful for you! Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!!”
Antonia Thomas and Fernando Jones
In April 2019, all four of Sheinelle’s siblings made a surprise appearance during an episode of the third hour of Today, modeling for a fashion segment. The twins, Antonia and Fernando, showcased their outfits to Sheinelle’s surprise and delight. Not much is publicly known about Fernando, but Antonia shares three children with her husband, Clifton.
Cardozie Jones and Keesha Williams
Similar to Fernando, Sheinelle’s oldest sibling, Keesha, prefers to keep her social media private. However, in December 2018, Sheinelle disclosed to Today.com that Keesha has five children. “I often say ‘Keesha, Keesha, Keesha,’ instead of ‘Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,’” Sheinelle joked on Today in April 2019.
According to his Instagram, Sheinelle’s brother Cardozie has been married to his spouse, Dewey Fleszar, since 2018. “Our whole relationship consists of moments like these: strolling through our favorite streets, sharing our hopes and dreams for the future. Let’s never stop,” he wrote in a May 2023 Instagram post. “Happy Anniversary, Dewey. I love you.”
Jo Brown
Sheinelle attributes her academic success partly to her maternal grandmother, who encouraged her to read street signs during their drives in her youth. “I recall a day in middle school when I thought, ‘English is easy,’” she shared in a March 2020 interview with MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski. “The next day, my grandmother walked me to school and had a conversation with the principal. Before I knew it, I was in AP English.”
In July 2024, Sheinelle showcased four generations of women in her family in a delightful Instagram video. “Come on, Mom!” she, her daughter Clara, and her mom joyfully exclaimed while strolling past the camera in matching green outfits, ending with Jo stating, “I’m coming!”
Uche Ojeh
Sheinelle met her husband while attending Northwestern University, and after several years of dating, they exchanged vows in 2007. “Happy birthday, Uche❤️. To think it all began here at Northwestern … 25 years ago 💜,” she expressed in a February 2023 Instagram birthday tribute. “Then came marriage a decade later ☺️ … followed by baby #1, then #2 and #3. Moving to NYC … and after countless games, music, and dance lessons … we’re just getting started. Happy birthday💜.”
In February 2024, Sheinelle wrote: “I’ve had a crush on you since I was 19 … and that feeling hasn’t changed.” Instagram birthday tribute.
Kayin
Sheinelle and Uche welcomed their first child, son Kayin, in August 2009. Kayin appears to share his mother’s interest in journalism, as he interviewed author Jeff Kinney for an episode of NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt: Kids Edition in March 2021.
Kayin accompanied Sheinelle as her date to the 2024 White House holiday gathering, where they met with Bush Hager, Guthrie, and their kids. “Thank you @whitehouse – for a magical night,” she commented on Instagram photos from their evening, during which they took a picture with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. “To experience this with my oldest son and work friends—who are more like family now—was an unforgettable night I hope he cherishes always.”
Clara and Uche
Sheinelle and Uche’s fraternal twins were born in July 2012. “With all three of my children, I strive to show them they are each part of a team, responsible for supporting one another,” Sheinelle shared about parenting in a June 2015 Today.com essay. “At the same time, I’m learning they each desire individual recognition. They often seek my assurance individually before heading back to play as a group.”
In August 2023, Sheinelle shared a memorable day at the US Open with her twins, who served as the “ball kids” for a kickoff pickleball event. “Fun night of camaraderie before these kids get to the real business! 🎾,” she commented on Instagram photos of herself and her children posing with sports stars such as Venus Williams, Holger Rune, and Ons Jabeur.
