Benjamin “Benjie” Roy Degree III son of Gabrielle “Gabbie” Harris Thomas and Benjamin Roy Degree Jr., was born in Fort Worth, Texas, October 6, 1995. Benjamin accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Peter Crawford of Second Nazarene Baptist Church of New Orleans, Louisiana. Benjie was a loyal son, brother, uncle, and nephew who was loved by many across the world.
Benjie attended elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana at Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor and St. Louis Cathedral Catholic schools where he created forever friendships. Due to Hurricane Katrina, we relocated, and Benjie attended Longwood Elementary in Orlando, Florida, then after another relocation, he would attend Tylertown Elementary in Tylertown, Mississippi where he met and enjoyed the friendship of other magnificent people.
Benjie moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2010 where he attended Vale Middle School graduating from William J. Brennan High School from which he graduated working summer jobs each year. He was instrumental in the grand opening of Aquatica of Seaworld in San Antonio, Texas before leaving for Bryan, Texas where he would attend Blinn Junior College there. Of course with Benjie’s big personality like his mom, he also created forever friendships everywhere he went.
Benjie returned home to San Antonio from Bryan, Texas to continue to enjoy his young life where he developed a love and passion for country music, outdoor barbeques, and dancing with friends as often as he could. And he sure liked wearing his cowboy boots!!! Benjie enjoyed his young adult life and stayed employed. He found joy in working at the 151 Saloon as well as at Napco. So many people will miss his fun personality, essence, and presence.
Benjie leaves to mourn his passing, his mother Gabrielle “Gabbie” Harris Thomas, his father Benjamin Degree Jr.; A devoted stepfather Gerald V. Thomas Jr. and stepmother, Holly Degree; Siblings, Raheem, Benjaneca Delmore (Remon), India, Maliki, Annabella, and Reylyn Degree; Devoted cousins, Joseph H. Harris IV and Jennifer Wells; Uncles and Aunts, Joseph Harris, Wendell and Percy Degree, Desmond and Mark Morris, Polly Harris, Sheketa Williams, Terri and Katrina Morris; Lifelong Best friend Kavon Lee; God parents, Jermaine Anthony and Kenya Williams; His San Antonio family- in-love, Steven and Marissa Davila; Devoted Aunts and Uncles-in-love, Lela Fulford Washington, Ayana Blanchard Wells, Monica Bergeron, Nicol Charles, Dolita Wilhike, Charles Ford, Matthew Vaughn, Corey Bouton, Gerard Kennedy, Scondreka and Thiwasha Lee, Christian, Roger, Rogerna and Raina Journey; A host of Great Aunts and Uncles, God-sisters, God-brothers and cousins.
Benjie was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph Jr. & Julia G. Harris and Elenora Mason; great grandmother Florence Porche; and a great uncle, Archield Guy, Jr.
Sending love and prayers!!
Hey Gabbie..
May Allah bless you with strength through this saddened time
May Allah bless you’re son Benjamin in the hereafter insha’allah.
Sincerely Yours
Love you my friend, Khadijah❤🤲😪
Sorry for your lost! I will keep you in prayer.
Just know you was his shero! You was the best mother he could have ever asked for! You loved my nephew unconditionally and he loved you unconditionally as well! Job well done sissy! You taught our gentle giant the true mean of love, he in turn showed love to his family, those related by blood, family, those who God placed in his path that were loyal which is far better! Benji, my nephew, your life has spoken for you! Get your rest, give Momma Julia a hug and kiss 😘. Until we meet again, kisses to the sky😍😘
We are sending our heartfelt condolences from your family in New Orleans. May God heal your heart in your time off need. We love you so much Gabby. Benji is another angle looking down on you. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏
Sending love, prayers and a big hug to you Gabbie. We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this time and abundant peace. Cherish the memories and love. RIP Benjie❤️
May God continue to give his mother (Gabbie) and family strength because he is Able!🙏🏽
Rest in Heaven Lil Ben 🙏 we miss u
Love always!
Gabbie, I say a prayer and send love and condolences to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in the beautiful memories of Benjie’s life, that you did an amazing job as his momma. We love you, Sis!
Rest in Heaven Benjie. To my Gabby I am so sorry for your loss my friend. I love you infinity
Gabbie I hope you have more happy days ahead. I know you are weary but I also know you have a strong belief in God and you know that your beautiful son is with Our Father! Keep your same beautiful spirit until you can see Benji again. I love you and pray for your happiness, comfort and joy! ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗
RIP Baby Boy 😓❤️😘
Sending love, and hugs, praying for you Gabby and family.
From Armand, Chris, Charlene. and Ollie, Nephew and nieces of
Rev K C and Mother Rosalie Muse, Mt. Pleasant Spiritual Church.