Melissa Baber Harvey

Melissa Baber Harvey IRMO - Melissa Baber Harvey passed away August 7, 2013, in Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs, Fla., while on vacation with her family. Her gallant, courageous, and inspiring fight against breast cancer is over, and she is at peace. Melissa was born March 14, 1968, in Kingsport, Tenn. She was the daughter of John and Ann Baber of Lake Wylie, S.C., who survive her. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, R. Eugene Harvey, Jr., and her two sons, Hunter Eugene Harvey and Tyler John Harvey, of the home. Other surviving relatives include her husband's parents, Rufus and Susan Harvey of Charleston, S.C., her sister-in-law, Lisa Horton and husband, Marshall; her two uncles, Thomas M. Baber of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jerry W. Boardwine and wife, Gail, of Antioch, Tenn.; her three cousins, Lindsey Baker, Jennifer Hill and Brittany Boardwine, all of Nashville, Tenn. Melissa was a 1986 graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tenn. She earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of South Carolina in 1990 where she was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and received the Caroliniana Award. She continued to serve her sorority as Collegiate Chapter Director for several years. Melissa earned a master's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1997 and was working toward a master's degree in school administration at the time of her death. Melissa began her teaching career at Swansea Elementary school and later taught at Sand Hills Middlle School and Congaree Elementary School. She was Instructional Supervisor at Wood Elementary School at the time of her death. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year several times and was named South Carolina Marine Science Teacher of the Year in 1995. She earned her National Teaching Certification in 2002. A memorial service to celebrate Melissa's life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 540 St. Andrews Road in Columbia. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Melissa to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210 or to Hospice of the Comforter Foundation, 496 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 or to a charity of one's choice.