Aria Yvonne Lott

The story of Aria Yvonne Lott is one of perseverance. Aria was born in Baton Rouge LA, on September 14, 1983 to Denice and Tucker Lott. During those early years Aria’s love for music was revealed as she had the ability to repeat sounds and imitate voices that she heard and would often do so on family trips. It was during one particular trip to the aquarium in Mystic, CT that she broke out in song and her angelic voice echoed throughout the halls. This would be the first time it was discovered that not only did Aria love music but she could sing!

In 1992 the family moved to Chicago, IL where Aria first started taking voice lessons. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized by Rev. Michael Runnels. During this time, Aria was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of ten but was determined to not let her disability define her. She never let it stop her and continued to advocate for others throughout her life.

In January of 1995, her family moved to Overland Park, KS and joined Trinity Temple COGIC where Aria got deeper into serving the Lord and eventually joined the youth choir. She developed a strong passion for singing and practiced every day. Her love of the ministry really took off and she became involved in the youth ministry and other youth programs.

Aria was very inquisitive, creative and competitive.  She had a fighting spirit and didn’t like to lose. In middle school her competitive side shined through sports like track, basketball, and soccer. She also taught herself to play the keyboard and because of her love of music was able to learn several other languages through song. Academically, she represented her school in German language competitions. This would continue throughout her high school years and into college.

Aria attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. She was a part of the Stillman College Choir and Stillman Tour Choir. She was invited to travel to Europe to perform with the choir but because of her medical condition, she was asked by the dean of students to obtain clearance from her doctor. Not wanting to be treated differently, Aria advocated for herself and succeeded and was able to travel without the extra requirements. This is just one of the many examples of Aria’s ability to persevere. While at Stillman, she was also a member of the Prestigious Ladies of Golden Heart, the Student Christian Association, and in 2003, she joined the Delta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Aria graduated from Stillman college with a degree in Biology.

After graduation she enrolled at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC. She was met with many health challenges during her tenure there but remained steadfast. Later enrolling in Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, TX, the challenges of her epilepsy continued. She was unfortunately unable to complete either program, but her determination did lead to the successful completion of certification in special education from the state of Texas. She began her career as a special education teacher in the Irving Independent School District and then moved to Uplift Summit International Preparatory School. She received recognition from the mayor’s office of Arlington, TX for her contribution and work with the Special Olympics. While in Texas, Aria was a member of West Irving COGIC under the direction of Pastor Andrew Jackson. She served in various capacities within the youth ministry.

After years of being away from home, Aria moved back to Kansas to be closer to her family. She joined Calvary Chapel COGIC under the direction of Pastor Harold Molden. She continued her career in special education at Warford Elementary School where she loved her scholars. Due to Aria’s perseverance and determination she became the inspiration for and helped to establish her family’s non-profit organization, The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation, whose mission is addressing the needs of high functioning adults with disabilities. Her many accomplishments with the foundation include writing and recording music, authoring a series of children’s books and hours of community involvement and civic engagement.

Aria was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, James Edward Lott and Dorothy Jean Hightower Lott, maternal grandparents James Lee Fairley and Jeanette Estella Roberts Fairley, and nephew, Tyler Michael Syx. She is survived by her maternal grandmother, Shirley Westbrook Fairley, parents, Thomas Elliott “Tucker” Lott and Denice Fairley Lott, siblings Mia Lott Westfall (David), James Little, Iman Jean-`ette Lott Powell (Dennis), J.Ryan Thomas Lott (Amy), and dearest to her heart her nephew, Tatum Jay Lott affectionately called “Nephypoo” as well as many other family members and friends.

Aria’s life journey leaves a legacy of love and determination. Her angelic spirit touched the lives of everyone she ever met.