Staphon B. Debnam, affectionately known as "Step" to his family and friends, was a wise, selfless, and humble man who loved quality time with his family, exercising his entrepreneurial spirit, preparing and exploring good food, and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He transitioned to eternal rest and peace in Heaven on November 19, 2022.

Step was full of character and skill. Considered the glue among his family and friends, he was known for his humility and wise perspective that made people change the way they think. Born on August 9, 1970, to the late Edward Debnam and Mrs. Barbara Debnam, Step grew up in Winston-Salem, NC where he graduated from Carver High School and attended Winston-Salem State University and ECPI. During this time, he fostered close lifelong friendships, one of the most special being with his brother, Derick.

On September 6, 1997, he married Sherri A. Fields; they were blessed to have recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. Step was a supportive and encouraging husband, always believing in her ability to learn new things and accomplish her goals. Together, they raised two sons, Jamari and Justin, creating a close-knit family who enjoyed living life together. They not only found joy in simple, everyday living but in travel as well; they quickly found that the secret ingredient to an enriched life was being together. Their devotion remained solid through joyous times and the challenges of life.

Step was a dedicated father who poured into his sons, constantly providing sound advice, spending quality time with them cooking and grilling, taking day trips to explore new restaurants, or watching Panthers games together (which they never missed). One of his final words to them was, "play chess, not checkers" and "be sure to think two steps ahead."

Step was a problem solver, technology whiz, creative genius, and serial entrepreneur. He could learn to fix and do anything, believing in the power of research to make it happen. This coupled with his creativity for branding and development, fueled their family business "Popcorn Fanatic", a Winston-Salem favorite along with other e-commerce businesses.

Step's humility, solid character, and perseverance have left a permanent imprint in the hearts of many; an imprint that will forever be remembered and will never be erased by his transition. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Debnam, and niece, Destiny Debnam. Those who will lead carrying forth his memory and advice include his committed and loving wife, Sherri Debnam; proud sons, Jamari and Justin (Significant Other Uriah Cummings); his mother, Barbara Debnam; brother, Derick (Sharon) Debnam; father and mother-in-law, Herrell Sr. and Velma Fields; step-mother-in-law Paulette Smith; sisters-in-law LaShonda "Dee" Fields Hairston, Shanelle (Chris) Sellers; brothers-in-law Herrell Fields, Jr., Terrell Smith, and Chris (Monica) McMillian; and nieces and nephews, Derek Debnam, Jr, Nadiya Debnam, Zion Hairston, Zulay Hairston, Brookelyn Sellers, Zonntta' Manns, Faith Hatton, and Zoé Fields.

For those who wish to honor Step's life, a Public Viewing will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at noon at Union Baptist Church. A Family Visitation will be held before the service at 11:00 AM. Expressions of love are welcome, including flowers or donations to Cancer Services (Winston-Salem) or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his memory.