Lloyd Edison Lazard

1940 - 2021

Lloyd Edison Lazard, affectionately known as "Rip", was born to the union of Mable Anderson and Edison Lazard on November 21, 1940. He was the second of four children. He left his earthly home on January 3, 2021 at the age of 80 at his daughter's home in Atlanta, Ga. Lloyd attended St. Joan of Arc Elementary School and was an altar boy for most of his time at St. Joan of Arc. He was a 1958 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School where he was an avid football player. In October 1959, he entered the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for four years, going to such places as Texas, Morocco, North Africa, and Madrid, Spain. Lloyd had 4 children, a son Kip, from his union with Norma Ruth Franklin; daughters Zuri and Nia from his union with Teresita Dorsey and his youngest daughter Laura with Cheryl Scott. Lloyd E. Lazard, also known as "Rip the Poet", attended Loyola University for a while and Delgado Community College. He was working for the Boeing Company when he decided he wanted to be his "own boss". Rip became an entrepreneur. In 1973 he was the first African American to get a concession business at the New Orleans International Airport. New Orleans Sounds Incorporation was a retail record concession at the airport for ten years. He also owned Umoja, a leather shop, making various leather items such as purses, sandals, belts and caps. Lloyd loved to read and share his knowledge with anyone who would listen. He had various hobbies, including taking road trips, writing poetry, gardening, and playing the bongo drums and maracas. He was a very high energy person with a great sense of humor. He never met a stranger. As a community activist, many problems have been addressed by Rip Lazard, at the Orleans Parish School Board meetings, New Orleans City Council, Gert Town Community, and on radio and television talk shows. He was also involved with the Carrollton Youth Council and the Gospel Tribute to Mahalia Jackson. Lloyd "Rip" Lazard is the driving force behind the concept of having a National Slave Ship Museum in New Orleans on the Mississippi River. Lloyd believed the National Slave Ship Museum/Landrieu Project 146300 will become a reality. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edison and Mable Lazard; brother, Louis Lloyd Lazard; wives Norma and Teresita Lazard. He leaves to cherish his memory four loving children, Kip, Zuri, Nia and Laura Lazard; two loving sisters, Carol L. LaMotte and Elaine Ewell (Warren); five grandchildren, Iranna, Royalle, Anthony (Je'anna), Larry Lazard and Courtney Gorham (Rashard); two great grandchildren Rashard Jr. and Reayah Gorham; devoted niece and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be sadly missed by all. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Parlor Visitation on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at Littlejohn Funeral Home, 2163 Aubry Street. The Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor John Jackson, officiating. Private burial to follow. Pursuant to The City of New Orleans' Guidelines for COVID-19 Social Gathering Numbers and Social Distancing apply; Masks are required. Rev. David M. Patin Sr. and Gwiena Magee Patin , Directors. Professional Service Entrusted to: Littlejohn Funeral Home, 2163 Aubry Street, Cal K. Johnson, Funeral Director/Manager, Info: (504) 940-0045. The celebration will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/viewfuneralnow.