It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of our sweet boy, Cohen Wilson.

Born on August 28, 2014, Cohen spent his eleven years making life brighter for everyone who knew him. From the moment he arrived, he filled our hearts and the hearts of so many others with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. With his piercing blue eyes, shaggy blond hair, and a smile that could light up a room, Cohen had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. He never met a stranger. His laugh was contagious, his presence impossible to miss, and if you knew him, you loved him.

A rising sixth grader at Jones Valley Elementary School, Cohen proudly played 11U tackle football with Triumph Athletics. He loved to compete and was always ready for the next challenge. Boxing quickly became one of his greatest passions, and if you asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, his answer never changed—he was going to be a boxer. He threw his whole heart into everything he loved. He was also incredibly bright, quick-witted, and always ready with an answer.

Cohen loved spending time at Wilson Garage Door, the family business. He was happiest when he was helping out, learning something new, and getting to be “one of the guys.” He looked up to the men there, loved being included, and took great pride in feeling like part of the team. He had an old soul in the most joyful way and loved being around the grown-ups just as much as he loved being with kids.

If there was one thing everyone remembers about Cohen, it was his sense of humor. He was naturally funny, incredibly witty, and full of charisma. Whether it was a perfectly timed one-liner, a hilarious facial expression, or his signature dance moves, he could make an entire room laugh without even trying. We always joked that he would be the first famous comedian in our family.

He loved rap music and was constantly making up his own songs. He’d write funny raps about our family that had us laughing until we cried. No one was safe from becoming part of his next verse. He could turn just about anything into a rhyme and performed every song like he belonged on stage. Creative, confident, and happiest when he was making the people he loved smile—that was Cohen.

He could be as stubborn as a mule and as soft as a teddy bear. He stood his ground when he believed in something, but he had the biggest heart. If you were his person, you knew it. He loved fiercely, protected those he cared about, and never missed an opportunity to give a hug.

Cohen answered to more nicknames than we can count: Coco, Coco Melon, Cohey Rhodes, Bubby, Coe Man, Coe Dog. Every nickname came from someone who loved him.

One of Cohen’s greatest loves was his American Bully, Levon. Levon wasn’t just his dog—he was his shadow. Whether they were wrestling in the yard or simply lying beside each other, they were rarely apart.

If you wanted to make Cohen smile, all you had to do was suggest McDonald’s. His order never changed: a double cheeseburger with no pickles, a large fry, and a large chocolate shake with whipped cream and a cherry. We don’t think we’ll ever pass a McDonald’s without thinking of him.

More than anything, Cohen loved his family. He was the best son and the most loving big brother Penelope and Pippa could have ever asked for. He adored his sisters and loved making them laugh. Home was his favorite place because it was where his favorite people were. He shared an incredible bond with his dad, Chris. They spent countless hours fishing, hiking, playing football, boxing, and simply enjoying being together—they truly were best friends.

Cohen was blessed to be surrounded by so many people who loved him. Alan and Phil each played meaningful roles in helping raise him, and together with his parents, grandparents, family, coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends, they created the village that helped shape the incredible young man he was becoming.

Cohen is preceded in death by his adoring “Magi,” Tiffany Moore, and his uncle, Austin Moore.

He is survived by his devoted mother, Laken Moore and her partner, Alan; his loving father, Chris Wilson; his beloved sisters, Penelope and Pippa; his grandparents, Todd and Ursula Wilson and Charlie Moore; along with his extended family, teammates, coaches, classmates, and countless friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Eleven years will never feel like enough. But in those eleven years, Cohen left a mark that will never fade. He reminded us to slow down, laugh often, and cherish the people we love. We are all better because we had the privilege of knowing him.

My Precious Coco, Thank you for making me a mom. You gave my life a purpose I never knew it was missing. It has been the greatest privilege and honor of my life to be your mama.

Thank you for every hug, every laugh, every rap song, every football game, every fishing trip, every muddy pair of shoes, and every memory that I will carry with me forever.

You taught all of us how to love more deeply, laugh more often, and appreciate the little moments that matter most. We are all better because we had the privilege of loving you.

I promise to keep your memory alive in the way I love your sisters, the stories I tell, and the life I live. You will always be my first baby, my greatest joy, and one of the best parts of me.

Until I can hold you again, I will thank God for every moment I was blessed to be your mom. I love you more than words could ever say, and I always will.

Forever loved. Forever our boy. 

Visitation will be Friday, July 31st from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Berryhill Funeral Home. Chapel service will be Saturday, August 1st at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Huntsville Memory Gardens.