Melissa Ann Baur of Yorktown, VA, devoted wife of Major Chad Baur (USAF) for 17 years and loving mother of Jackson and Mackenzie, peacefully went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2024, after a heroic two-year battle with cancer. She was able to spend her last weekend by the beach celebrating her 36th birthday with family and friends.

Born on October 12, 1988 in Charleston, SC, Melissa was the beloved daughter of Eric Combs and Mary (Evans) Combs.

Melissa attended Northwood Academy in North Charleston, SC where she fell in love with her childhood sweetheart and future husband, Chad. Their love and devotion to one another served as an example and inspiration to those around them. Graduating with high honors from the College of Charleston, Melissa began her teaching career at Northwoods Middle School. While teaching was her passion, her deepest desire was loving the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength and being the best wife and mother she could be. Her greatest honor was being loved by them.

Melissa faithfully loved and served through her thoughtful and grace-filled spirit, always pointing others back to Jesus, her true living hope. As an Air Force spouse for over 10 years, Melissa lived all across the Southeast serving and leading wherever God called. She generously loved and invested in the military communities, neighborhoods, workplaces, ministries, and Churches she was planted in. A gifted writer, Melissa encouraged many through her beautiful, faith-filled words that will continue to point others towards Christ for years to come.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:31)

It is impossible to quantify the legacy Melissa has left behind in the hearts, minds, and lives of the countless souls she nourished during her time on earth. While she will be deeply missed, she is finally home, completely healed.

Melissa is survived by her husband Chad Baur of Yorktown, VA, her children, Jackson and Mackenzie, her parents, her brother Jordan Combs (Mallory) of Rapid City, SD, her parents-in-law, Mike and Tammy Baur of Moncks Corner, SC, her brother-in-law, Mikey Baur (Anna) of Richmond, VA, her brother-in-law, Bryce Baur (Aubrey) of Charleston, SC, her sister-in-law, Tiffany Baur (Brooks) of Charleston, SC, her brother-in-law, Luke Baur of Moncks Corner, SC, and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

On Saturday, October 19th, the family will receive visitors at 10AM at Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA 23666. A Celebration of Melissa’s life will begin at 11am in the main worship center, followed by a reception in the church dining hall.

The live stream of the Celebration can be viewed at libertylive.church/livestream

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Melissa’s memory may be sent to Light of Mine Ranch, a non-profit started by her brother, Jordan, and his wife Mallory to help foster families in South Dakota. To learn more visit lightofmineranch.com

To make a donation use the link below:

lightofmineranch.com/donate