Eryn "Cocoa" Cowan

Eryn Aleasha Vivian Cowan Herring, known to many as Cocoa, was born November 18, 1996, in Portland, Oregon to mother, Aleasha Bletson (Gretta Boo), and biological father, Erin Cowan. Raised by her stepfather, Ronnell Herring and mother: Cocoa was their chocolate baby girl who was always twisting her hair while sucking her fingers, rarely leaving their sight. Cocoa received her early education at Woodlawn Elementary School, where she attended with her sisters and cousins. As an after-school activity, Cocoa enjoyed attending bible study.

Outside of school, Cocoa loved spending time with her family, drawing literally any and everything, but most of all, collecting bugs and picking up stray cats. At a point in time, her excessive love for cats had her mother's home looking like a cat rescue shelter.

For high school, Cocoa attended David Douglas where she excelled in her favorite subject, math. At the young age of 16, Cocoa got her first job working at local flower shop, as a florist, where she was able to demonstrate her creativity by producing unique arrangements. While juggling her work and education, Cocoa ensured to always make time for what she loved most, spending time with her nephew, Deandrae. At a young age, Cocoa had already established life goals and independence. By the time she was 18, Cocoa had moved out on her own, purchased a car, and was determined to provide for herself. You couldn't tell her anything, she had an ambition that no one else could get in the way of.

Cocoa had a smile that would light up a room and could carry on a laugh. Cocoa and her older sister Bre'Shae would hold a laugh for hours at jokes only they understood, and unbreakable bond. Cocoa was the family chef, her specialties consisted of the same three things: chicken alfredo, chicken strips, and macaroni and cheese, which all hit every time.

Staying on the phone with her mother for hours listening to her go one and on about everything. Cocoa was her father's Babygirl; he didn't play about her and couldn't fathom how mature she had become, his "Mocha", as he called her. Truly her brother's keeper, from wiping her baby brother Mykelle's bloody nose, to car rides and mellow vibes around town with Mario, always having their back. Cocoa treated her nephews, Deandrae and Quincy as her own, from the moment she became and Aunt you'd think she birthed them herself with the amount of love and gifts she showered them in. For the first year proceeding Quincy's birthday, Cocoa would celebrate each month with a cake and present. Her mama's twin, sister's confidant, brothers' companion, and nephew's fun aunt, Cocoa was the center of the family.

Family, friends, and anyone who came in contact with Cocoa loved her presence and energy; she was the life of the party. Cocoa will always be remembered for prioritizing family, selflessness, spontaneous ways, and adventurous lifestyle. But, most importantly, her million-dollar pure white smile and laugh.

Greeting Eryn in Heaven with open and loving arms are: Ervaeua Herring, Vivian Peterson, Danielle Bletson, Mario Herring, Jamerie Herring, Kevisha Jones, Jonelle Jackson, Harrison Bletson Jr., Neil Jackson, James Peterson, Yaschia Davis, and Erin Cowan.

Eryn leaves behind many loved ones: her mother, Aleasha; father, Ronnell Herring; sisters, Bre'Shae, Tara, Brandi, Jade, Mia, Seiji; brothers, Mario, Mykelle, Trevionte; nephews, Deandrae and Quincy; and a host of close and extended cousins and family members.