Cody was a ROCKSTAR and there is no other way to state that. After almost 27 years of defying the odds against him, Cody went to Heaven on June 3rd, 2025.
He had the brightest smile and most contagious laugh; he drew people to him with a vibrancy that radiated around him. He was a very funny little guy with a colorful vocabulary and playful antics. To know him was to love him, and I guarantee that once you met him, you would never forget him.
Cody was the onsite mail delivery man at J. Iverson. He loved rolling into the offices and yelling “MAIL!” while laughing the entire time. Cody was an award-winning Artist in Burke County for many years, He enjoyed painting, drawing, sculpting, and fishing. He had a love of music, but the Back Street Boys were his JAM. He loved singing at the top of his lungs to their music, while dancing and being silly.
Cody was a beautiful ray of sunshine that came into my life on July 16th, 1998. Tim Auber (Tee) and I (Angie) will cherish his memories forever. His sisters, Nicole Paige Ensminger-Cook and Anniston Leigh Auber were his partners-in-crime growing up, and the three of compadres. Cody cherished the relationships that he had with his Uncle Bobby (Robert Ensminger (Kelley)), his Aunt Spud (Laura Ross (Peter)) his Aunt TeeTee (Christy Ensminger) and his Aunt Connie Auber. His Grandma and Papa Ensminger (Vicki & Ralph) were loved by him and always made him smile. He also has numerous Cousins: Alexis Ensminger, Mitchell Ensminger, Peter Byron Ross, Alaina and Addison Ensminger. Cody especially loved it when Bella and Joie Ensminger came into this world and made him Uncle Cody.
Maya Angelou said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We have been so blessed to have had that during Cody’s life. From his early years at RHA in Claremont, NC, to Devereaux in Melbourne, Fl, and finally J. Iverson Riddle Center in Morganton, NC, Cody has been surrounded by angels. While there are far too many to list, I would like to recognize a few that I will hold close to my heart forever: Tadd Jackson, Erica Williams, Trina Wilson, Kimberly Barfield, Kim Wilson, Cameron Cornelius, Joe Clark, Shelby Rochester, Dajour Turner, Kyle Rhoney, Cassie Bender, Dustin McConnell, Kieran Becker, Alex McCurry and Tyler Shelton.
Albert Navales was not only Cody’s favorite caregiver, but also his best friend. “Albie,” as Cody fondly called him, is one of the most amazing people that walk on this Earth. He and Cody had a friendship that was built out of love and respect. Albie, this mommy’s heart can never begin to tell you how much I cherish the relationship that you and Cody shared.
Lisa Heller and Ramona Smith are two of my most trusted and valued confidants. I could not have handled the battles that we endured for the last 9 years without both of you by my side; constantly helping me with support and guidance, while also loving Cody as you would your own child and cheering him on to be his absolute best.
My sweet Mr. Maggo, I love you so very much. Know that I have always been VERY proud of you and your biggest fan. I hope that you are running through the streets of Heaven with Papa and enjoying your new legs. Until we meet again….
Love, Mommy
A private Celebration of Life will be held on June 21st, at 2PM. Please contact the family for the details.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Cody Ensminger.
Angela: I'm so sorry for the loss of you beautiful son Cody. When you and I were at MCC, I remember the stories you would tell me about Cody. God must of needed another angel. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cody is walking beautifully on streets of gold with our Savior Jesus Christ. Blessings to you and your family.
Cody was such a sweet boy. I know that God is holding his hand and maybe singing some Backstreet Boy song with a little Jesue loves me. Iam honored to have known him. Love you
Oh my Cody boy you were beyond loved. I will remember you for as long as I am alive. Manda will miss you. We use to wheel around the block listening to baby baby oh like baby baby lol I will forever love paw patrol :) and camper rock was our jam for sure. Your beautiful soul touched my heart and definitely thankful that Albeit was by your side after I left. You were the best part of my 2nd shift job at J Iverson. Rest in peace and use that new body to run into all the things you loved. Until then my sweet boy dont forget your Manda. You were loved beyond measure. God has gained a wonderful human. Love you always.
I met him once and thought he was the coolest young man! I thank Nicole for taking me to meet him. I will always remember how awesome he is!
Angie and family, My heart is broken, but I find comfort in knowing he is running around to all the angels saying, “What you name?” and then batting his beautiful eyelashes and flirting! I have loved all my students, but none entered my heart full blast like Cody! I have missed him since I left the classroom and avoided going to see him because it always seemed to upset him. It was always hard to leave with him yelling “you be my teacher today” or “you be my one on one now.” I’ve sat by his bedside at multiple hospitals, but knowing the grave circumstances this time , I felt it was best to leave that time to your family. Please know that he made my life better the minute he stepped in my classroom. It was a blessing getting to know you and see your love and unwavering support of Cody He was blessed in many ways and he truly blessed me. Thank you for sharing him. As I’ve prayed for him so many times, I will pray for you all in the coming days. Sending love and sympathy with prayers for comfort. Love, Emily Church Chapman
Cody was a colorful character and a phenomenal person.I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with him and formed a friendship over the years.Ill miss him and will always think of him often. Have fun on the streets of gold buddy.Love Mikey
He was a miracle.
So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and prayers.