MICHAEL DEGREE

Michael Degree, affectionately known as “Muffin” or “Cat”, entered into eternal rest at Ochsner Medical Center Westbank on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the age of 63. He was a native of Gretna, LA and a resident of Algiers, LA. Michael was a celebrated New Orleans chef and a gifted culinary artist, whose cakes, meals, and desserts brough joy to countless families. His creativity extended beyond the kitchen into floral décor, Christmas designs, and Mardi Gras costumes, one of which was featured in the Times-Picayune Newspaper. He was employed as a Banquet Chef at Visko’s, and later with the Fairmont Hotel Banquet and Catering Department, where he dedicated 20 years of exemplary service before retiring in 2005. He was a faithful member of Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a proud member of the Mass Choir. Michael was a former member of the Grammy Award winning Gospel Soul Children. Beloved life partner of 44 years to Derek Smith. Loving son of the late Vivian Degree. Grandson of the late Willie, Sr. and Clementine Degree. Devoted brother of Dale Ann, Althea (Rodney), Benjamin Roy, Ronnie (Patti), Ralph (Vida), Elijah, Jeffery (Rita), Jackie, Shantella, Stephanie, Nicollette, and Nathan Sanders, and the late Ray and Robert Degree, John and Antoine Sanders, Dinah Lynn Degree, Patrice and Judy Sanders. Nephew of Cynthia Degree, Jacqueline Talton, and Tyrone Degree. Uncle of the late Keisha, Jarred, Doral, and Jairus Hester. Brother-in-law of the late Leroyal Hester, Sr. and Glenmar Smith. Godson of the late John and Betty Sanders. Michael is also survived by his godchildren, Shantella, Brad, Sidney, Jarvis, and Michael Steven, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church, and all neighboring churches; employee of Visko’s, Fairmont Hotel Banquet and Catering Dept., and LeRuth Restaurant invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church, 817 Grefer Avenue, Harvey, LA on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00a.m. Pastor Keith Paul Stewman, officiating. Viewing will be held from 8:00a.m. until 9:45a.m. at the church. Interment: Evening Star Cemetery #2-Harvey, LA Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

FACE MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED.