Lorenza Edwards Sr.

Funeral services to celebrate the life for Mr. Lorenza Edwards, Sr. will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at:

First Calvary Baptist Church, 1311 Morehead Ave., Durham, NC 27707

11:30pm-11:55pm: Viewing for family and friends (See guidelines)

Viewing will allow visitors to pay their last respects to Mr. Lorenzo Edwards, Sr. in small rotating groups. However, those wishing to attend the viewing must abide by the following City of Durham and First Calvary Baptist Church social distancing guidelines:

No invitation is required for viewing ONLY
No contact with individuals
Facial masks/coverings must be worn at all times
Individuals must remain 6ft apart 
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will immediately end the viewing
No congregating prior to, during or following the viewing and service on church grounds
No repass will be provided following the viewing and funeral service
No gravesite processional will be held

12:00pm: Funeral service for approved immediate family members by invitation only (See guidelines)

Due to the City of Durham and First Calvary Baptist Church’s COVID-19 restrictions, only 40 family members will be allowed to attend the FUNERAL service. The following City of Durham and First Calvary Baptist Church social distancing guidelines must be adhered to:

EACH family member (per person) MUST present their invitation and name to attend the service
No contact with individuals
Facial masks/coverings must be worn at all times
Individuals must remain seated 6ft apart
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will immediately end the service
No congregating prior to, during or following the service on church grounds
No repass will be provided following the funeral service
No gravesite processional will be held
 

Please contact Demisha Grimsley at 919-724-1307 or dgrimsley@aol.com with any questions.

Obituary for Lorenza Edwards, Sr.

 Brother Lorenza Edwards, Sr. was born June 03, 1943 in Durham, NC to the late Clarence Mayo, Sr. (preceded him in death) and Lizzie Edwards Mayo. He departed this life on Saturday, May 02, 2020 at Durham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

 Lorenza attended Durham Public School systems and was employed at Burlington Industrial Factory for several years. He enjoyed working part-time as a lawn care specialist for family and friends. Also, he worked as a custodian for RTI International for 28 years, from which he retired.

Lorenza enjoyed life to the fullest and was known for his free spirit, gentle heartiness, kindness and luxurious white hair. His lifetime joys included fishing and spending time with his friends known as the “Breakfast Club” at Hardees’s in Durham, NC.

Lorenza was previously married to Bonnie Edwards of Durham and they had one son, Lorenza Edwards, Jr., aka “Tiger”. Also, he was preceded in death by his 2nd wife, Jacqueline Helms-Edwards, aka “Jackie”.

Lorenza leaves to cherish his memory: one son, Lorenza “Tiger” Edwards, Jr., of Durham, NC; three step-children, Roy “RJ” Helms, Yopond Helms, and Tschanna Taylor (Greg), all of Durham, NC; one granddaughter, Shamia A. Edwards; one grandson, Bryson K. Edwards; and eight step-grandchildren, all of Durham, NC; six sisters, Maxine Kelley (Denson) of Cary, NC, Ida M. Brown (Glenn) of Durham, NC, Brenda Lewis (William, Jr.), Mary M. Riley (Curtis) all of Cary, NC, Delores Bowman (Arthur) of Raleigh, NC and Syonne Ann Best (Connell) of Durham, NC; four brothers, Clarence Mayo Jr. (Mary E.) of Clayton, NC, Preston Mayo (Patricia), Raymond Mayo (Jacqueline), and Leonton Mayo all of Durham, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and “Breakfast Club” friends.

 Lorenza, we will all miss your warm smile and sense of humor, but your spirit continues to soar in our hearts.

The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge each and every countless act of love and kindness during our time of bereavement. Special thanks to Duke Medical Center providers and staff, Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation, Durham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, First Calvary Baptist Church, and Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

Thank you and may God richly bless each of you.

-The Family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lorenza Edwards Sr., please visit our floral store.