Stephen M. Claya, Jr.

Augusta, GA - On Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, Stephen Michael Claya Jr., age 11, son of Stephen Michael Claya Sr. and Corieene Stevens, passed into heaven, freed of his earthly pain, to be with his Lord Jesus for all time and eternity. He is survived by: Grandparents John C. and Mary Claya of Locust Grove, VA;  Godparents, Uncle John J. Claya II and Aunt Dr. Desiree Seeyave, of South Carolina and their Sons, John Joseph III, Jacques Francis, and Joseph Thomas; his Uncle Thomas and Aunt Dana Claya of PA, and their Sons, Thomas William II, and Benjamin Grant, Uncle Mark Stevens of Centennial, CO; Great Uncle Michael Claya, of Boston, MA; Great Uncle and Aunt, John and Paula Sivulka, of PA. He was predeceased by his late grandmother Beverly Stevens of Centennial, CO. 

Stephen was born in Philadelphia, PA. He and his father moved to Augusta, GA in 2019. He was in the 4th grade at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School where he was known for his smile and humor. He enjoyed school and made many friends there. He was a talented artist but also enjoyed playing sports, fishing, kayaking on the Savannah River with his dad, spending time with his cousins and enjoyed playing video games and collecting Pokémon cards. He loved all of the family dogs, especially Chanel who was always by his side. He was a fan of the University of Michigan football team and loved watching football games with his family.

A Rosary vigil will take place beginning at 5:00 P.M on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, immediately followed by viewing of Stephen Jr. and visitation with Stephen Sr. and other family members until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd, Augusta, GA 30907. All who have known and loved him are encouraged and invited to attend. The Rosary may be viewed live at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMzE1NzkwMjEzMzQ5MTkmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==

 A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 11:00 A.M., at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, 1420 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904, with Fr. Mark Ross, celebrant. A live stream of the funeral Mass may be viewed at https://livestream.com/accounts/25615696/events/11135825.  For those who wish to attend, interment and graveside service will be at Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta, Georgia 30904 immediately following the celebration of the Mass. Friends and family are invited to return after the interment to a luncheon at the Parish Hall of St. Mary on the Hill.
 

In lieu of sending flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial contributions be made to The G.R.A.C.E. Scholars fund in honor of Stephen. The Mission of GRACE Scholars, Inc. is to provide children from families with financial need throughout the State of Georgia to secure a quality PK-12 Catholic Education. With the assistance of this fund, Stephen was able to attend St. Mary on the Hill Catholic School, which has been the source of a supportive, loving, and caring environment during his school years as well as his year-long battle with brain cancer. 

Contributions can be sent via the following link: https://gracescholars.org/for-donors/contribution-process-and-giving-options/

The Claya family would especially like to thank the faculty, staff, parents, and fellow students of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church & School whose acts of Christian charity and devotion will long be cherished and remembered. Equally, the family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, Children’s National Hospital, D.C., and Hands of Hope Hospice, all of whom demonstrated extraordinary devotion and professionalism to ensure that Stephen received the latest treatments and quality of care known to them during his battle with cancer.
 

The guestbook can be signed at www.thomaspoteet.com.