MELINDA BAKER MIHLBAUER

Melinda Baker Mihlbauer, 48, peacefully transitioned from this life on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. She was born in Georgetown on July 27, 1975, to Carl and Gloria Baker. She is the wife of Brooks A.J. Mihlbauer.

She received her early education in the public schools in Georgetown and Sumter counties. She graduated from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education. She later obtained a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Master of Education in Counselor Education.

Melinda, also referred to by her students as "Mrs. M," was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and guidance counselor. She was a selfless member of her community and surrounding areas, encouraging students across the United States to strive for higher education. As a lifelong resident of Sumter, her greatest passion involved impacting students across the state to believe that full rides are possible.

She is survived by her husband, Brooks A.J. Mihlbauer; her four children, Chanelle Denise Baker, Alyssa Jordyn Mihlbauer, Addyson Janaye Mihlbauer and Arik Jace Mihlbauer; her parents, Carl and Gloria Baker; and her siblings, Carl Baker Jr. (Pete), Melanie Baker and Sean Baker.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Job's Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Sept. 23, at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 609 Manning Ave., Sumter.

Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, Sumter.

The family will receive guests at their home at 3789 Moseley Drive, Sumter, between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuaryinc@gmail.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.