Theda (Pinkney) Salley

Theda Olivia (Pinkney) Salley was born on October 27, 1940 to Theda Pinkney and the late William Pinkney in Harlem Hospital. Theda was the oldest of four children. She lived in Harlem until the age of 6. She then moved to Brooklyn with her family 1947. Theda showed an interest in art at the age of 5. When she was in elementary school, her art was entered into local a contest where she won 1st prize. Her artwork was then displayed throughout the business community in Brooklyn. Theda graduated from the High School of Industrial Arts (High School of Art and Design) in 1958. While attending high school she worked at the first Children’s Public Library of New York City and she also attended classes at the Brooklyn Museum Art School. Theda continued on to attend classes at Pratt Institute of Technology. She also worked at the Girl Scouts of America as an artist. In 1966 she married Lenell Salley. From that union they were blessed with one son, Ronald William Salley. For 25 years she worked at The National Bank of North America in New York City. During this time she lived in the Bronx and later moved to Chestnut Ridge, New York with her family. When Theda retired from the bank, she worked at Walmart for 18 years; a job she loved. She was fondly known as Ms. Theda by her coworkers and her customers. She enjoyed greeting, meeting and helping her customers. Theda’s well rounded interests and social life included cooking. She had an extensive library of cook books and magazines. She attended many cooking classes where she perfected her cooking skills as a gourmet cook and was an audience member at the Rachel Ray Show. She was passionate about listening to jazz music, dancing, traveling, playing board games and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed knitting, shopping and pampering herself. You could always find her getting her nails done and her hair styled by Sharmerro. Her granddaughter Amber was the light of her life and she enjoyed spending time with her. Theda passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Left to cherish her memories are her mother Theda Pinkney, her son Ronald Salley, daughter-in-law Dawn Salley, granddaughter Amber Salley, 3 sisters Geraldine Myles (Wilbert Myles), Carol Porter (Frank Porter), and Romaine Mays (Mel Mays), brother James Pinkney (Altamae Pinkney), a host of nieces and nephews and friends. We love you Theda, but God loved you more.

Once We Meet Again

A light from our loves has gone

A voice we loved is still.

A place is vacant within our hearts

Which never can be filled.

A bouquet of beautiful memories

Sprayed with a million tears.

I with God could have sparred you

If just for a few more years.

We hold you close within our hearts

And there you will remain.

To walk with us throughout our lives

Until we meet again.

So rest in peace dear sister

And thanks for all you’ve done.

We pray that God has given you the

Crown you’ve truly won.

Your vacant place no one can fill

We miss you now and always will.

Love Your Family