During one of many emotion-ladened moments, Lorenzen Wright’s grandmother, Louise Vassar, receives support. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to the Tri- State Defender

Mayor AC Wharton Jr. told the crowd at Wednesday’s memorial service that Lorenzen Wright “never forgot the battles which helped shape him”. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Wright, it was said, was generous in his dealings with youth, and many were in attendance to say goodbye. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

The Rev. James L. Netters Sr., pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

The hearse bearing the body of Wright exits the FedExForum. (Photo by Earl Stanback)

Four hours before the memorial service officially began for homegrown hero Lorenzen Wright, the first of what would be a crowd of thousands began to assemble outside the FedExForum.

For those who arrived early and those who made it later, the object was the same: to say goodbye to a man who often showed that he had “a heart as big as gold”.

The memorial service began with a procession of family and close friends, numbering almost 1,000. Many openly wept as Wright’s family and close friends filed past the coffin, the processional flow occasionally halted by some overwhelmed with grief.

“It’s just so sad,” said Linda Harris, who – like Wright – attended Booker T. Washington High School. “If you’ve lived in Memphis, you know we watched that child grow up. When I heard he had been found murdered like he was, I cried because it was almost like losing one of my own children.”

It had been a week since the bullet-riddled body of the 34-year-old former star at University of Memphis Tiger and stalwart for the Memphis Grizzlies had been found in a wooded area near Hacks Cross Rd. and Winchester Rd. And the pain of the discovery still was very much raw on Wednesday.

“The death of our friend was tragic, and we are all hurting,” Mayor AC Wharton Jr. told the gathering. “We’re not going to rush this,” said Wharton, referring to the investigation. “We are making a promise to you that things won’t be done quickly, but they will be done right.”

Wright, whose 13-year stint in the NBA took him to several stops, never forgot who he was,” said Wharton.

“He never forgot the battles which helped shape him. He was generous with his time, his encouragement, and his wealth, especially to our youth. In him, we saw the best of ourselves. Lorenzen will never be forgotten.”

Family members left to mourn Wright include his mother, Deborah Marion; father, Herbert Wright; three sisters, three brothers, and six children. One baby daughter died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2003.

The quotes that follow are among the many that the memorial service yielded.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning...Ren was taken too soon and too horrifically from us...we hurt now, but this too shall pass...He left us with some precious memories...”

“This is a sad day in the city of Memphis, but we will always remember the beauty and love Lorenzen brought us. He scored more than 1,000 points with the Grizzlies, and took us several times to the ‘Sweet 16’ at the University of Memphis. Our friend will never be forgotten.”

“Lorenzen was always ready to help us at St. Jude. He loved playing with kids...Let’s go out and do good likewise in his honor.”

“I remember a few years back when I was asked to be queen of Mardi Gras in Memphis. I didn’t want to do it until I found out Lorenzen was going to be king...I know what losing a child feels like... But I’ll bet Lorenzen and my son Matt are up in heaven organizing summer basketball camp for the kids.”

“I’m so proud to have shared a connection with Lorenzen on so many fronts. We both played ball at the University of Memphis under Coach Larry Finch. We both wore the same NBA uniform, and we both shared a life in Christ. We can be comforted because it is in death that we move to eternal life.”

“In his short life, Lorenzen gave the city of Memphis so much. We’ll cherish all the great memories. And although we’ll miss his friendship, Lorenzen’s spirit will live on in our hearts.”

“On behalf of the Booker T. Washington family, we extend our sincere condolences to the family. Lorenzen was one of our best, and his memory will live on in the halls of Booker T. Washington High School.”

“On behalf of the citizens of Shelby County, we want to express our sorrow in losing Lorenzen – our son and our hero...Let each of us keep his memory alive from generation to generation...by remembering how he made us better...”

After the memorial service, members of Wright’s family gathered for this portrait. (Photo by Earl Stanback)