• Howard & Jones
Jeffery Thomas Holt
Jesup—Bishop Jeffery Thomas Holt, 66, of Jesup died on June 23, 2026, at Hospice of South Georgia, following a courageous battle with liver cancer.
He was born on Aug. 21, 1959, in Rochelle, Illinois, to the late Bishop Jerry Thomas Holt and Betty Jean Holt. A graduate of West Aurora High School, he 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.
He was an ordained bishop in the Church of God, following in the footsteps of his father and continuing a rich family legacy of ministry. He 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; Eastwood Church of God in Swainsboro; Maranatha Fellowship in Jesup; McRae Church of God in McRae; 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.
A gifted preacher, teacher, pastor and leader, he 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.
He 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. The couple have two sons who also followed in their father’s footsteps in ministry, Brandon Thomas and Nicholas Jordan.
In addition to his love for ministry, he enjoyed spending time with family, playing golf, watching history programs, and 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.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Sherle Marie Holt of Jesup; his son, Bishop Nicholas Jordan Holt of Jesup; his mother, Betty Jean Holt of Paducah, Kentucky; his father-in-law, Ralph Jack Groover of Jesup; his brother Bishop Keneth Allen (Debbie) Holt of Russellville, Alabama; his sister, Lisa Jean (Jack) Summers of Paducah, Kentucky; his brother Jeremy Wade Holt of Cartersville; as and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, other 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 was held on June 27 at Jesup Church of God with interment following at Pinecrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church or Hospice of South Georgia. He 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 him during his final days.
His family added that he 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.”
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.