Tamar Degrate

A Champion’s Life Story

TAMAR DEON DEGRATE (MARTY)

Tamar “Marty” Degrate was born December 19, 1976 to Sandra D. Degrate and Charles E. Jones. He accepted Christ and united with Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Downsville, Texas.

He was united in marriage to Patrice Angel on November 21, 2009. A beautiful daughter, Naima Jade was born August 24, 2011. Tamar attended Brookhollow Baptist Church, Houston, Texas.
Tamar graduated from University High School, class of 1995 where he participated in the ‘Trojan Marching Machine’ Band, concert and jazz band, (saxophone and percussion) instruments.

He graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Instruments. He later received a Masters of Education Counseling in 2004 and a Masters of Education Administration in 2009 from Prairie View. Tamar was a member of the Prairie View “Marching Storm” band and sax section leader. He particiapted in “Battle of the Bands”, travelling throughout the United States.

Professor Tamar Degrate began his teaching career in 2001 with the Houston Independent School District and was currently serving as Band Director and as an Instructor at the Houston Gateway Academy. At Gateway, Professor Degrate saw a vision of a school band and he organized the first band with over 70 students. He prepared his band to participate in the “Battle of the Bands”, held on Saturday, January 18, 2014. As a tribute to Professor Degrate, the band performed and won First Place in their division.

Family who received him in Heaven are: Grandparents, Murphy & Georgia Degrate; James H. Dugay, a father figure who loved Tamar very much; Uncles, Armster Degrate, Morris Degrate, Red “R.F.” Thomas; Cousins, Paulette Hogan, Donna Toliver, Charlotte Jamal Harper; Aunts, Eloise Degrate and Bessie Degrate.
Tamar will forever be missed, loved, and adored by his loving wife Patrice and beautiful daughter, Naima; Houston, TX; Mother, Sandra Degrate, Waco, TX; Father, Charles E. Jones, Ft. Worth, TX; Grandmother, Elizabeth Miles, Silsbee, TX; Aunts, Vivian Norwood, Lois Thomas, Ethel (Kenneth) Walton, Joyce Woods (Johnny), Shelia Degrate, who was like his second mother, Eula Degrate, Waco, TX; Beverly Bradford, all of Waco; Juanita (Chester) Young, Wiley, Texas; Doristine Degrate, Seattle, TX; special cousins AuTinee Smith and boys, Zion & Zayden, Waco, TX; Uncles, Murphy Gene Degrate, Curtis (Marie) Degrate, and Anthony Degrate, all of Waco. Father and Mother-in-law: Edward and Carrie Angel, Lafayette, LA; brothers-in-law, Marcus (Celeste) Angel, Houston,TX; Lee (Yolanda) Angel, Lafayette, LA; Edward (Wendy) Angel, Fulshear, TX; special friends: Walter Williams, Norvin Jack, Patrick Woods, Sam Long, Derrick Bullock, Banika Ervin, Cory Keys; and a myriad of cousins, other relatives, and friends.