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 3, 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 Developmental Center in Morganton, N.C. 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 16, 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 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, N.C., to Devereaux in Melbourne, Fla., and finally J. Iverson Riddle Center in Morganton, 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 walks 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 nine 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 21 at 2 p.m. Please contact the family for the details.