Aaron Eppie Pleasants was born on April 4, 1985, to Stephanie Renee Pleasants and Rodney Wilson, and departed this life on January 12, 2026, entering into his eternal joy, rest, and healing.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, he attended Richmond Public Schools. With his family, Aaron later relocated to North Carolina in 2000 and earned his GED credential. He often expressed interest in trade paths, including culinary arts and hair school (which he attended for a short time in West VA),

He was born into the Marshall family as the first great-grandchild of Lena Mosby and Eppie Marshall, both of whom preceded him in death, and the first grandchild to his grandmother. From the very beginning, he was surrounded by love and carried a quiet significance that would follow him throughout his life.

Affectionately known as “Smirk”, “Smitty”, “Eppie”, and “Uncle”, he smiled with dimples that warmed many hearts and had a laugh that invited you to join in. He was comedian, artist and self-proclaimed “street philosopher”. Aaron was distinguished for his straightforward nature, creative spirit, and bold unfiltered presence. He had a gift for cooking, enjoyed singing, and found deeper expression through writing poetry and loved animals and babies. Those who loved him understood him—not only for who he was, but for the journey he traveled.

Aaron accepted Christ and maintained his own authentic relationship with God. He experienced many moments of reassurance and spiritual covering, often through the faithful prayers of his grandmother and mother, who fervently reminded him of God’s love.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home Chapel, 923 Indiana St., Kannapolis, NC.  Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM with services at 11:30 AM.  

Aaron leaves to mourn his passing—and to celebrate his life—his steadfast and loyal mother, Stephanie Robinson (Steve Robinson); two beloved sisters, Janee’ Coleman and Briana Coleman; his grandmother, Jackie Togun; two loving aunts, Angie Jackson, and Dayo Greenway; his uncle, Seyi Togun; two nephews, Jashon, and Bryson; one niece, Jayla; and his godmother, Tanya Rivers. He is also survived by a host of extended family, including family through the bonds of marriage; his stepsister, Shaquilla Robinson, and her daughter, Dakota, grandparents Luther and Loretta Robinson, aunts Sheryl Lowery, Wendy Hammond - Charles, Edina Robinson, Melissa Robinson-Wells(Bruce), father figure Floyd Coleman; paternal siblings, aunts, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, god siblings, and friends, including two dedicated friends, Doug Ellis and Lacree Johnson. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Alvin Pleasants.

Among his many cousins, Aaron shared a unique bond with Corey Marshall, Lamar Marshall, and Malikah Muhammad, walking with them in relationships that mirrored that of siblings. He also shared special connections and grew up alongside cousins PJ, Malik, Rodney, Ashante’, and Ahkei.

Aaron’s life was meaningful, and his struggles deeply human. Through every challenge, he lived out the meaning of his name “Mountain of strength”. He was loved, he was known, and in the fullness of eternity, the strength carried in his name has found rest, wholeness, and peace.

The family will be receiving friend Thursday, January 21 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 502 S. Shaver St., Salisbury, NC