Aretha Marie Thompson

In Loving Memory of Aretha Marie Thompson

Aretha Marie Thompson of Salinas passed away on November 17, 2023 at the age of 68.

A beloved daughter, sister and aunt, Aretha was born on October 13, 1955 in Marvel, Arkansas to Deloris Barefield and Robert Thompson. Aretha moved to Salinas, CA in 1962 and attended New Hope Baptist Church.

After graduating from North Salinas High School in 1973, Aretha attended Hartnell College and moved to Los Angeles before returning to Salinas, initially working at KCBA and Door to Hope.

Aretha retired as a long-time member of the management team at Sun Street Centers where held she positions ranging from Director of Men’s Services and DUI Program Manager.

She was honored by the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women’s 2000 Outstanding Women Event for her volunteer spirit “working hard for others, sacrificing for the betterment of others and through her effort have enhanced the status of women in our community.”

She was an avid and renowned blues and gospel fan especially, and very active in music circles of Monterey, Los Angeles, the Bay Area and various blues festivals and cruises. A fixture at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas and Blues Cruises in the Caribbean and elsewhere, she has made countless friends centered around her love of music, faith and fellowship.

Aretha was proceeded in death by her father Robert Thompson and beloved brother Anthony C. Thompson.

Aretha is survived by her mother Deloris Thompson, step-father Jerry Williams, brothers James Thompson, David Thompson (Andrea; niece Tashima, nephew Jerome), Reggie Thompson (niece Destiny Thompson-Morales; nephew in law Christopher; grandnephew Abdiel; grandnieces Anaiya and Amoraiya), Ronnie Thompson (Shawnell; niece Shaina Thompson-Furnis-Lawrence, nephew in law Taylor Furnis-Lawrence; grandnieces Juniper and Marigold, nephew Spenser Thompson), sister Tiajuana Thompson-Holt (Dan) and brother Ricky Thompson.

Services to celebrate her will begin at Struve and Laporte Funeral Home 41 W. San Luis Street Salinas, CA on Wednesday November 29th, 2023. Viewing will be from 10am -12pm with services at 12pm, followed with burial at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott Street Salinas, CA.

All attire and accents in shades of pink - Aretha’s favorite color - are welcome and encouraged.