Ny'Cole LaShawne Griffin

Ny’Cole LaShawne Griffin, known to his family as “Pooter” or “Grand Homie” (as his PawPaw, Nate, lovingly called him), was born April 12, 1992 to Natchole (Nikki) Griffin-Ware and Phinazee Elliott Jr. in Portland, Oregon. Much like the delivery room, filled with fifteen people on the day of his birth - he was surrounded by the love of his family his entire life.

Ny’Cole attended Benson Polytechnic High School where he was a star athlete in both football and track. As an adult, he began making his mark in the local rap scene with his single debut, ‘The Mud’.

His athletic journey started at the young age of 8 years old when he, to his mom’s surprise, had signed himself up to run track. He had been gifted with speed since he was a little boy running around on his tippy toes. His speed later landed him in the end zone of the football field. Ny’Cole ran the 100 and 200-meter dash and was the last leg of the 4 by 100 relay. As he continued his track journey, Ny would place first in the 2004 USATA National Junior Olympics 200 meter dash, timing in at 24.87 seconds. Improving on his own record, he went on to place first in the 2008 Oregon OSAA Outdoor State Championships 200 meter dash, timing in at 21.79 while at Benson.

Ny’Cole also ran for the Inner-City Steppers, and as an independent athlete. He had a way of making his competition think they were winning the race, and before they knew it, he would be passing them, taking first place.

Ny’Cole enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends. He was the life of the party with his witty sense of humor, contagious laugh, and spark of energy that lit up a room when he walked in. Ny’Cole’s smile was illuminating, matching his personality, friendly demeanor, and welcoming spirit.

Ny’Cole felt confident when his dad, Zeke, came into his mom and his brothers’ lives. He knew that they would be taken care of. Ny’Cole cherished his relationship with his mom, who reminded him that she was the “Original Cole”.  Ny’Cole, Zekial, and his three maternal brothers, of whom he was the eldest, had an unbreakable bond that everyone around them could witness. Ny’Cole also had a special bond with his sisters, nieces, and nephews. He made it his mission to visit them every week, bringing them laughter and love. Above all, he loved God and knew how to pray the word.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Brenda “BP” Portis; grandpa, Nathaniel Griffin Jr.; and cousins, Emanuel Mosley Sr., and Terry Elliott Jr.

He is survived by his mom and dad, Natchole Griffin-Ware and Zekial Ware; father, Phinazee Elliott Jr (Theresa); grandparents, Grandma Leslie Griffin, Grandma Katie Ware, and Grandma Carolyn Elliott; siblings, Ivery ‘Tre’ Griffin, Travis West, Khamron Griffin, Elijah Ware, Phinazee Brian Elliott, Phinizea (Alonzo) Chadwick, RoMario Elliott, Ashley (Darion) Smalley, Devantae (Taylor) Elliott, Elijah Elliott, Aminah Elliott, Shayla West, and Nyausha West; nieces and nephews, Nasir, Major, Terry, Zae’Lyn, Zamirah, Zuri, Alonzo Jr., Jesiri, December, Derion, Xavier, Julian, Alanna, Red, Irie, Aden, Tyler, and Cadence Griffin; Grandma Carolyn Mays Grandma Evelyn; goddaughter, Arlaya Bradford; Godparents, Suzanne and Nathaniel Griffin III; first cousins and siblings-in-love, LaQue & Ericka Thompson, and Malique & Silas Griffin; as well as a host of aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ny’Cole will be greatly missed.

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