Lorenza Davis

Lorenza was born on June 30, 1948 to the late Evelyn and Moses Davis Sr. He was a scrappy small young man always moving, happy, and fond of his leather jacket and that unfortunately attracted the attention of neighborhood bullies. After trying rocks, sticks, and even carrying black pepper to ward off the bullies. Lorenza was sent to karate school to learn self-defense. Lorenza was an intellectual. He always liked to challenge himself and others. His favorite tv shows were Star Trek and the Wild Wild West.

Lorenza was a great dancer and won several awards and trophies being nimble on his feet and that earned him the title “dancing champion”. Lorenza was an entrepreneur. Many called him hustle man, as he ordered and sold items from international trade shows. With each sale came with a smile. He learned the art of making deals and helping others all he could. He mastered the art of branding, often, people only called him by the services he provided.

Lorenza was a photographer who earned his nickname “Picture Man” which he cherished most. You won’t find his pictures in National Geographic, but in the homes and hearts of those who he brought joy to. There was not a place he would not go, or time he wouldn’t work to take pictures to help others capture a special moment with joys and smiles. He worked at weddings, churches, and night clubs. His pictures made the toughest people break a smile.

“No matter how late or tired, if in the middle of the event you hear the term I need a picture man, Lorenza would spring to action to capture the moment and help other remember things to cherish.” Lorenza believed in mentoring people and helping them believe in themselves. He would teach his friends Chess and Bid Whist. He started a neighborhood karate school and all the kids in the area joined. He became the Night Ninja, a professional wrestler and this led him to found Night Ninja video production company. 

“Lorenza would teach you how to play chess just good enough to lose to him. I asked him why, and he said he was teaching how to play, not how to beat him….” Lorenza continued to expand his entrepreneurial spirit. He opened several neighborhood stores. He published his book, Bid Whist is Life, and wrote several plays and manuscripts. He even funded and produced area life action plays. He started a dance instruction school to help others experience the joy of dancing. Lorenza always like to ask the question of why? He challenged others around him to keep up with him mentally. His thoughts always ran at a different speed. He was the master dancer, master thinker and finally the master debater….

“Whenever you spoke with Lorenza, you may not always get the answers you wanted. Many times, I left with a headache, but I was always smarter for it. As Lorenza would always say, it takes Iron to sharpen Iron.”

Sadly, Lorenza passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Lorenza leaves behind, his son, Mateen Davis (Felisha); grandchildren, Aziyah, Hadassah and Nykii Davis; brothers, Sedric and Moses (Mary); sisters, Althea (Kevin), Gail Yvette (Dale), Brenda (Bruce), Susie Vanessa, Tremetra, Betty Yvonne (Joshua), Jean, and William; god-sister, Regina; bonus siblings, Stephen, Napolean Keith, Elaine, Arthur (deceased); lifelong friend, Will Oglesby.

We will all miss his smile, his wit, humor, and charisma. His voice and logic will always be remembered. He left a legacy of reasoning in our hearts and minds. He was truly a black Aristotle, always asking why? We hope he has found answers to his questions and can finally rest… P.S. He left his bottle of honey for you…

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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