Bishop Jeffery Thomas Holt, 66, of Jesup, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Hospice of South Georgia, following a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Jeff was born on August 21, 1959, in Rochelle, Illinois, to the late Bishop Jerry Thomas Holt and Betty Jean Holt.

A graduate of West Aurora High School, Jeff completed high school a year early in order to begin his college education. He continued his studies at Lee College (now Lee University) in Cleveland, Tennessee, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. 

Jeff was an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, following in the footsteps of his father and continuing a rich family legacy of ministry.

Jeff devoted more than 45 years of his life to ministry. He began pastoring at the age of 21 and faithfully served the Kingdom of God in numerous churches throughout Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. Throughout his ministry, he served as lead pastor of Decatur Church of God in Decatur, Illinois; Sterling Church of God in Sterling, Illinois; Chester Church of God in Chester, Georgia; Eastwood Church of God in Swainsboro, Georgia; Maranatha Fellowship in Jesup, Georgia; McRae Church of God in McRae, Georgia; Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Waukegan, Illinois; The Sanctuary Church of God in Avon Park, Florida; and most recently, Friendship Baptist Church in Odum, Georgia.

A gifted preacher, teacher, pastor, and leader, Jeff faithfully proclaimed the Gospel and impacted countless lives through his ministry. Above all else, he loved Jesus, loved his family, and dedicated his life to serving others.

Jeff married the love of his life, Sherle Marie Groover Holt, on July 27, 1979, and together they built a beautiful family and ministry. For nearly 47 years, they faithfully served the Lord side by side, touching countless lives through their love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God and His people. Jeff and Sherle had two sons who also followed in their father’s footsteps in ministry, Brandon Thomas and Nicholas Jordan.

In addition to his love for ministry, Jeff enjoyed spending time with family, playing golf, watching history programs, following shows such as Gold Rush and The Curse of Oak Island, and never passed up an opportunity to watch a good John Wayne western.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Thomas Holt; his mother-in-law, Emily Marie Groover; and his beloved son, Brandon Thomas Holt.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Sherle Marie Holt of Jesup, Georgia; his son, Bishop Nicholas Jordan Holt of Jesup, Georgia; his mother, Betty Jean Holt of Paducah, Kentucky; his father-in-law, Ralph Jack Groover of Jesup, Georgia; his brother, Bishop Keneth Allen Holt (Debbie) of Russellville, Alabama; his sister, Lisa Jean Summers (Jack) of Paducah, Kentucky; his brother, Jeremy Wade Holt of Cartersville, Georgia; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, dear friends, and countless spiritual sons and daughters whose lives were forever changed by his love and ministry.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Jesup Church of God. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church or Hospice of South Georgia. Jeff dearly loved the people of Friendship Baptist, and it was his heartfelt desire to see the church he loved continue to thrive and minister to future generations. The family is also deeply grateful to Hospice of South Georgia for the outstanding care, compassion, and love shown to Jeff during his final days.

Jeff lived by faith and finished his race well. His family rejoices in the promise of Scripture found in Joshua 1:9:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”