Older than most parents, Aunt Cordie and Uncle Othy take little Jonas Crow in as their own child when both his parents die. Aunt Cordie was Jayber's grandfather's sister, technically, his great-aunt. Aunt Cordie provided Jayber with the nurturing and care that was so abruptly withdrawn when his parents died within hours of each other. Othy and Cordie's own three children all died as young children. The couple was especially good and loving to little Jonas Crow. Uncle Othy owned a store, and little Jonas spent time with him as he worked. The two died within a few months of one another, leaving Jayber with no family and nowhere to go but the Good Shepherd orphanage.