Lorenzo Douglas Dawson

Lorenzo Douglas Dawson age 72 of San Diego, California was born on May 1, 1949 to the late Minnie Lue Asberry Dawson and Benjamin Dawson Sr. of Montgomery, Alabama. He was the fourth of seven children and was baptized at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Lorenzo attended George Washington Carver High School in Montgomery until tenth grade when he transferred to Sidney Lanier High School. He was among the first group of students who integrated the Montgomery Public School System graduating from Lanier High School in 1967. He received an Associate Degree from Alexander City State Junior College and graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1973. Lorenzo also took graduate courses at Auburn University of Montgomery before moving to San Diego.

In 1975 Lorenzo enlisted in the United States Navy as a Disbursing Clerk. Petty Officer Dawson served over 17 combined years of active and reserve service. His last active assignment with the 32nd Street Naval Station/Personnel Support Detachment included the USS Hepburn FF-1055 and the AS-41 McKee D119.

He began working for County of San Diego in 1992 as an Eligibility Worker and retired with nearly 16 years of service. Lorenzo was a passionate cook and baker and was always known to be the one to bring the food to the party, especially the cakes. He also loved photography, gardening, listening to jazz, hanging out at the beach and just watching the sunset. He was a member of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc.

Lorenzo passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 in Beaumont, California. Left to cherish his memories are his six siblings: Dorothy Asberry Dixon, Montgomery, AL, Benjamin Dawson Jr. (Rita) St. Louis, MO, Curtis Dawson Sr. (Sonia) Montgomery, AL, Tommy Dawson Sr. (Clotilde) Montgomery, AL, Theodora C. Banks, South Chesterfield, VA, Theodore C. Dawson, Chester, VA. and two aunts: Mattie Lawson, Pittsburgh, PA and Delois Dawson, Hampton, VA. Lorenzo was very supportive of his nieces and nephews and made extra efforts to make each feel special. They are Darin Asberry, Valecia Asberry, Benjamin Dawson III, Conni Dawson, Curtis Dawson Jr., TerRon Dawson, Kendreka Farrington, Tommy Dawson Jr., Dr. Brittany Dawson Tuamokumo, Nichlas Stoudemire, Laura Stoudemire, Frank Banks III, T’Keyah Banks, Ashley Dawson and Melanie Dawson. Lorenzo touched the lives of so many people in so many ways all across the United States, but truly enjoyed being a mentor, a godfather and a motivator for the younger people, especially the two he referred to as his godchildren, Terence Byrnes and Felicia Pyatt. We would also like to specially recognize and thank our cousin, Doris Foreman and Lo’s close friend, Susan Moreno, who both went above and beyond in the care, love and attention they provided from the beginning and through his final days.

Lorenzo’s memorial service will be scheduled later this year (date TBD), so please do not send any flowers to the funeral home at this time, however, anyone wishing to contribute towards the family’s expenses for moving and shipping of his select household goods may send their donation by mail to Theodora Banks, 4026 Alabama St. Apt#4, San Diego, CA, 92104 or electronically via Cash App @ $TheodoraBanks