Rebecca “Ms. El” Ann Duncan Degree departed this life on the 2nd day of June 2022 at Hospice Wendover of Shelby. She was born November 19, 1938, in Cleveland County, NC to the late Leroy Duncan and Rebecca Ann Surratt.

Ms. Degree was employed as a domestic worker with a passion for her community and her family. She was member of Green Bethel Baptist Church in Boiling Springs, NC. She loved cooking, flowers, crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She also provided care for grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by seven brothers, Emanuel “Toot” Duncan, Willie “Bo” Duncan, Leroy “Rabbit” Duncan, John “Chuckie” Duncan, Jimmie Duncan, Ernest “Steve” Surratt, and Charles “Greg” Surratt; three children Dorothy Reid, Carolyn Degree, and Emanuel Degree; and her lifelong partner Jimmy Flacks.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her seven children: four daughters and three sons; JoAnn (Willie) Odoms of Shelby, NC, Roscoe Degree Jr (JoAnn) of Shelby, Patricia (Willie Jr.) Bridges of Waco, NC, Cherrie Degree of Shelby, Jimmy Duncan of Shelby, Tyrone Degree (Sonya) of Greenville SC, Chastity Degree of Shelby, NC and, one sister Phyllis Ruff; one brother, Harrill (Ann) Ruff; 36 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Green Bethel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 11:30 AM at the church.