Sallye Audrey Thompson, age 71, transitioned on September 20, 2026. Born on June 22, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Teremus and Irma P. Thompson, Sallye grew up as a joyful child who grew into an equally fun-loving adult—always quick with a joke, a warm smile, and a song.

Sallye attended Simmons Grade School in The Ville and graduated from Sumner High School in 1974. She completed her freshman year at Luther College before earning her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1983. Continuing her education, she received her Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri, in 1987.

Sallye accepted Christ into her heart at a young age at Memorial Baptist Church. Throughout her life and travels across many cities, she faithfully continued her Christian journey by uniting with local church congregations wherever she lived.

Her professional career was defined by exceptional achievement, innovation, and advocacy. After scoring at the top of her class on a General Motors assessment, she began her supervisory career in Wentzville, Missouri. She was later promoted to Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, Indiana, before moving to Detroit as an international buyer for General Motors. There, alongside a team of engineers, Sallye was instrumental in co-developing an internal trunk-release mechanism now used across the automotive industry to prevent individuals from being trapped inside—an achievement for which she earned both awards and a patent.

Following her time at GM, Sallye served as a supplier diversity lead for several Fortune 500 companies, including Brunswick, Kraft, CHEP, and Brink’s, eventually serving as Vice President of Diversified Business. She pursued her international career wholeheartedly, dedicating herself to creating opportunities for minority-, Black-, and women-owned businesses. Passionate about mentorship, she established groups in every city she lived in to guide young women pursuing executive management careers.

Sallye’s favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved singing Christmas carols and transformed her home each year with as many as four or five trees. Known as the ultimate gift giver, she possessed a knack for finding the perfect, most-wished-for present for those she loved.

Sallye was preceded in death by her parents, Teremus and Irma Thompson; her sisters, Joyce Spann, Delores Hughes, and Ellen Thompson; and her stepbrother, Charles Caldwell.

She is survived by her son, Austen Thompson; her sister, Faye Blair Thomas; her brother, Teremus Thompson; nieces Andrea Thompson and Susan Spann; and a vast network of extended family and friends across the country.

Services & Memorial Information

• Memorial Service: November 28, 2026, 11:00 AM. A memorial service celebrating Sallye’s life will take place at the Stupp Center in Tower Grove Park, located at 3616 Southeast Drive, St. Louis, MO, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to assist with purchasing a headstone so Sallye may be laid to rest alongside her mother and father. Donations may be directed to her son, Austen Thompson (please inquire with the family for details).