David Lorenzo "Lo" Porter

David Lorenzo Porter, son of LaVera Hodges and Allen A. Jones, was born in Oxford, Mississippi on May 27, 1971.

“Lo,” as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Second Missionary Baptist Church and sang in the youth choir.

David’s education was received from Oxford School District where he played football in middle and high school and graduated with Oxford High’s Class of 1989. During his educational journey, David proved himself to be a gifted student and self-taught artist. One classmate often referred to him as a real-life JJ Evans from the sitcom, Good Times – to describe the caliber of his artistic ability.

David was extremely smart and knowledgeable, funny, and full of life. He never met a stranger and was able to carry on a conversation with anyone. His family would always acknowledge him as the genius of the family. He taught himself to speak fluent Spanish and some French, was always conscious of what was going on locally and globally and always had a riddle or joke to test his family’s wit.

Family was everything for David and he would find joy in spending time and talking with his nephew and nieces. He sometimes would carry on super advanced conversations that he only knew what was going on – genius trait. He was known for his little two-step dance he’d often do while at family gatherings.

Over the years, David held many jobs but the one he cherished most was helping his brother at The Wood Shed. Words cannot properly convey their bond. It is there, he developed an interest in and perfected his final craft of wood carving. He would sit for hours and carve animals, gnomes, boots, and abstract figures. He was so proud of his creations.

While carving, he enjoyed spending time with his fur buddy, Chewy, watching CNN, the Discovery Channel, History Channel, Ole Miss football, and the Tennessee Titans. If he wasn’t carving, you could find him riding with his friend, Leslie Burt.

After a short yet long battle with cancer, David peacefully passed away surrounded by love at his mother's home. He fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept his faith. Oh, how he will be missed by everyone that knew him.

To mourn his death yet cherish his memories are his parents, LaVera Hodges – Oxford, MS and Allen A. (Evelyn) Jones – Jackson, MS, children, Verkelle and DeAllyn Young – Nashville, TN, Sander and Sania Porter – Oxford, MS, fur buddy, Chewy, grandson, Elikai Porter – Oxford, MS, siblings, Allen J. (Danica) Jones, Chastity Jones, and Geary Pegues – Oxford, MS, aunts, Jennifer Jones – Jackson, MS, Jacqueline Corrothers, Tonya H. (Emund) Woods – Oxford, MS and Meta H. (Tony) Anderson – Cleveland, MS, nephew and nieces, Seth Jones, LaToria Jones, and Autumn Jones – Oxford, MS, caregiver, Carlotta Moore - Taylor, MS, a host of other relatives, family, and friends. He is also survived by Willie Porter.

Preceding David in death are his grandparents, Nathan and Vera Hodges, Neuter Pearl and James Luster, Bill Jones, Murry and Ora Porter, uncles, Stanley and John N. Hodges, Mckinley and Michael Luster, and aunts, Cora Ramsey, Debra Hodges, and Gerlinda Young.