Jefferey Edward Holste, 76, passed away on April 15, 2023.  Jeff was born February 17, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and was a graduate of Granby High School Class of 1965. At 18, he left Ocean View for his first job on a NOAA ship surveying the Gulf Stream with his lifelong best friend Warren Hatfield (Janet).  Later as an architect for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, his assignments took him to Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Korea. After completing his career at the Pentagon, Jeff retired at 55 to live near the Chesapeake Bay, and he enjoyed beach life, music and community in every way with his companion of 16 years Susan Smith.

Susan and Jeff attended Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia and were active members of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Mary B. Holste; sisters, June Holste, Connie Owens; and brother Eddie Holste.

He is survived by his friend and partner Susan and his daughters Courtney McGowen (Doug) of Virginia Beach, Allison Cameron (Ronnie) of Bealeton, Virginia, and Elizabeth Smith Niccore (Brent) of Colorado, and David Smith of Chesapeake, Virginia and granddaughters Lyla McGowen, Carleigh Cameron, Golden Niccore and Ryder Niccore; nieces, Tara Holste, Erin Mead, Jenny Hill; nephew, Eric Holste.

The family thanks Right at Home, Westminster Hospice and Virginia Beach Health and Rehab for their compassionate care and support in the past difficult month.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 472 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, Virginia.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Wesleyan Class, Oak Grove United Methodist Church or The Elizabeth River Project at www.elizabethriver.org.