Erika Cisneros

Erika Cisneros, 35, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026. She was born on March 27, 1991, in Houston, Texas. Erika spent most of her childhood in Brownsville before returning to Houston, where she attended Jersey Village High School and continued to build her life surrounded by family and friends.

Erika was the daughter of Laura Griselda Loera and the late Candelario Cisneros Jr. She grew up alongside her brother, Candelario Cisneros III, and her sisters, Priscilla Cisneros, Fabiola Loera, and Felisha Loera. Family remained an important part of Erika’s life as she grew older, and becoming an aunt gave her one of her favorite titles—the “cool Tia.”

Erika shared 13 years of her life with Ernest Joel Garza-Mellott, and together they welcomed their son, DonDimitri Joel Garza. Becoming Don’s mom brought a new kind of joy to Erika’s life. She wanted him to experience things, see new places, and grow up with memories of having fun with his mom. Whether they were going somewhere new or simply being silly and goofy together, she made spending time with him a priority.

That same love of experiencing life was simply part of who Erika was. She loved concerts and seeing her favorite bands, festivals, trying new restaurants and new things, trips to the beach with her family, and anything involving skulls. She loved being around the people closest to her and knew how to make even an ordinary gathering feel like a good time.

Erika was funny, accepting, outspoken, and completely herself. She had a way of making people laugh, often by saying exactly what everyone else was thinking—or something no one expected her to say at all. She accepted people as they were and made room in her life for people to be themselves. Her friendships reflected that. She had a close circle of friends whom she loved dearly, including her best friend, Victoria Salazar.

Erika also worked hard throughout her life. At the time of her passing, she worked for Keep Supply, after previously working for AutoZone.

Erika leaves behind her beloved son, DonDimitri Joel Garza; her mother, Laura Griselda Loera, and stepfather, Alfredo Loera; her siblings, Candelario Cisneros III and his wife, Tracey Valentine, Priscilla Cisneros, Fabiola Loera, Felisha Loera, and her nieces and nephews, Elly Castillo, Elio Castillo Jr., Ariel M. Jackson, Amilya L. Jackson, Cayden Cisneros, Nathaniel Cisneros, Zaryah Cisneros, and Axel Cisneros. She also leaves behind her best friend, Victoria, her close circle of friends, extended family, and many others who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Candelario Cisneros Jr.

Erika will be remembered in so many ways: through the music she loved, the places she went, the laughter she caused, the memories she made with Don, and the stories her family and friends will continue to tell.

She was a daughter, sister, mother, Tia, and friend who lived as herself and loved her people in her own unforgettable way.