Steven Eric Aman

CLINTON — Steven Eric Aman, 54, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at his home in Mesa, AZ.

From the beginning, Steven was a fighter. Born on June 26, 1969 to Marilyn Tanner and George Aman, he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at four months old and given a prognosis of six years to live. Never one to accept defeat, Steven defied odds and medical expectations as he and his family celebrated his birthday year after year.

Growing up in Clinton, Steven spent his childhood balancing daily physical therapy, breathing treatments, recurring doctor's appointments, occasional ER visits and multiple hospital stays with his love of playing tennis and soccer, being a member of the student body council, BETA club, honor society, he served as a Governor's Page, host of the HS radio show, school newspaper and many other clubs as well as working at Matthews Drug Store. He attended Clinton City Schools and graduated from Clinton High School in 1987 as a North Carolina Scholar with honors and several scholarships, including the National Guard Scholarship.

After graduation, Steven enrolled at Campbell University as a teaching scholar and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in middle school education and mathematics in 1991. Steven then began his 26-year career with the Social Security Administration. During that time, he was promoted to several positions, including Operations Supervisor, he earned many awards and was a radio host for the agency's monthly information spot prior to his retirement in 2017. In 2018, Steven graduated Summa Cum Laude from California Coast University with an MBA in health care management.

In 2005, Steven married the love of his life and best friend, Tonya Dennis — becoming a stepfather to their daughter, Emily. In 2011, the family relocated from Sanford, NC to Mesa. Up until his death, Steven and Tonya enjoyed traveling, trying different cuisines, spending time with friends and simply being in each other's company. Steven was active in his Church up until a few years ago. He served on the Church board, ran the Church Cookie Ministry, played parts in the Last Supper and Good Friday dramas, sang in the Christmas Cantata's and volunteered for many service projects.

Steven's health throughout his life was riddled with highs and lows. In 2008 as his health progressively deteriorated, Steven underwent his first double lung transplant and in 2016, his second double lung transplant. Steven met and quickly became friends with the family of his first donor, it was as if they had known each other for years with the amount they had in common. Thanks to organ donation and these two wonderfully gracious families, Steven was blessed with an additional 16 years of life. In 2022, he began receiving ongoing dialysis for kidney issues and in October 2023, Steven developed squamous cell cancer that rapidly metastasized and proved to be the battle he was unable to win.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Aman, step-mother Maria Aman; grandparents, Wilbert and Christine Massey, and Johnny and Pearl Aman.

He is survived by his wife, Tonya Dennis; step-daughter, Emily Dennis; brother, Jeff Aman (Mary); Half Sister; Elana Aman; Step-Brother Stevie Tanner, Mother; Marilyn Tanner; Step-father Steve Tanner (Ella); nieces, Cori Payne (Jeremy), Brittney Grundel (Benjamin), Kimberly Aman and Natalie Bottari (Matthew); grandnephews, Emery, Oliver, Zachary and Cooper and Godson, Zane.

Steven loved cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, a good slice of pizza, any sweet treat put in front of him, traveling, a good political debate and spending time with his friends and family (oh the stories that could be told). Steven had an unmatched zest for life despite his lifetime of hurdles and he truly was Superman to those who knew and loved him. To say that he will be missed is an understatement, but we take comfort in the knowledge that Steven is at rest in the arms of his Savior.

"Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning." Psalms 30:5 CSB.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1017 Sunset Ave., Clinton, with Rev. Will Matthews, Rev. Vernon Braswell, and Rev. John McVay officiating. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a reception in the fellowship hall of Immanuel Baptist Church with family and friends. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) or The Heritage Foundation.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Aman Family.