Jace Benito Aquilina, of Thomasville, North Carolina, passed away on February 19, 2026. Born April 27, 2012, Jace was a beloved son of Adam and Arkeesha Aquilina, and from the start he brought energy, laughter, and a spark that was entirely his own. He gave his life to the Lord at an early age.
Jace was currently a student at Wheatmore Middle School, where his sharp mind and tech-savvy nature fit him perfectly—especially when math was involved. He had a way of making people smile, whether it was with a quick joke, a perfectly timed grin, or the kind of everyday humor that made ordinary moments feel like the best part of the day. He was the only one who always knew everybody's age, even his grandmother's because nobody never knew.
Jace loved spending time outdoors doing what he loved like playing baseball, soccer, skateboarding, and riding his electric dirt bike throughout the neighborhood. He also enjoyed going camping at Myrtle Beach with his family and playing the guitar. He was adventurous. He was always ready to try something new, learn something cool, and have fun while doing it. His favorite things were simply being with his friends, especially hanging out at Pleasant Hill Church, and playing video games with his friends. Jace will be remembered simply as “Jace”—a bright light with a big heart who was very shy, but very lovable.
Jace is survived by his father, Adam Aquilina; his mother, Keesha Aquilina; his brothers, Neko Aquilina and Jaylen Aquilina; and his sisters, Kya Aquilina and Jayda Aquilina. He is also survived by his grandparents, William and Loisteen Johnson, and Peggy Aquilina. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ben Aquilina and Lonnel Freeman.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations, 18 Randolph Street, Thomasville, NC 27360, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Jace's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 11 Randolph St, Thomasville, NC 27360.
The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisThomasville.com - select obituaries.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the GoFundMe or purchase a t-shirt from Jace's T-Shirt Fundraiser, both linked under "Donations."
