Edwin Jerome "EJ" Holley

On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Edwin Jerome "EJ" Holley went home to be with the Lord at the young age of 25.

EJ was Steven and Julie Holley’s first son. He was born in Oklahoma on March 8, 1998. Like so many babies, the moment you saw him, you just fell in love with that little face. Julie and Steven were the first to admit that their knowledge of babies was limited, so much so they would panic over every little thing he did—not an exaggeration. As he grew, he began crawling all over the place. Now he didn't just crawl, he would military crawl. It was so cute but simultaneously scary because the boy was quick! He lived his first two years of life in Altus, Oklahoma until the family moved and settled in Castle Rock, Colorado where he graduated from Ponderosa High School in 2016.

In Colorado, EJ developed an energetic and charismatic personality at an early age. You might say he was a handful, but also that kid that everybody liked. During his elementary years, he practiced Taekwondo to channel his excess energy. While studying at Sagewood Middle School, he pursued several different sports, such as flag football, wrestling, and basketball. Eventually, basketball would become his sport of choice as he moved into high school.

In addition to basketball, he also began to compose and produce his own rap music. Upon graduation from high school, EJ enrolled in Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. Although a college degree was not in his future, that didn't slow him down. He followed in the footsteps of his mother and went into retail beginning his career with T-Mobile in Greenwood Village.

The experience he attained at T-Mobile would lead him to an assistant manager position at a Phillps 66 service station. It was during this time when met and dated Maya, the mother of his son, Jordan James Holley. After Jordan's birth, EJ enjoyed several different career opportunities before relocating to Florida, where Maya and Jordan resided.

After his move to Tampa, Florida, EJ joined the team at Synergy Health Labs, where he worked his way up to line supervisor while concurrently balancing shifts with Uber Eats. In his pursuit of advancing his career, he took on a new position at All-Star Elite, a specialty clothing store located in the Westshore Plaza Mall. His goal was to better provide for Jordan and be the best father he could be. EJ would drive up to Orlando to spend as much time as he could with his son, who was his pride and joy.

EJ, your time here was too short, my son. They say the lights that burn the brightest go out the fastest. Your bright personality was infectious. You naturally drew people to your presence. I would always say, "Everybody loves EJ." I pray that you know you are always loved and will be forever missed. I love you, son.

EJ was preceded in passing by his mother, Julie C. Holley; grandfather, James Holley; grandmother, Virgilean Nelson; grandfather, William Cannon; and aunt, Brenda Washington. He is survived by his son, Jordan Holley; father, Steven R. Holley; brother, Isaiah Holley; grandparents, Kenneth and Priscilla Moon; aunts, Sharon Sayre, Sandy Blackman, Anne Moon Welp, Ruth Hummer, Nancy Moon; uncles, Wayne Sayre, Sean Cannon; numerous cousins; and of course, Coco.

A memorial service will be held at Crosswind Community Church, 12455 E. Mississippi Ave. Suit 101, Aurora, CO 80012 on Friday, March 31st, 2023, at 1:00 PM Mountain Time. To view the live stream of E.J.'s service, please follow the link below a few minutes before the start time (you will not be able to view the stream until then) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrXu8jbz3C8