Melissa Ann Mars

WEST COLUMBIA—Melissa Ann Mars, 47, of West Columbia, passed away on July 14, 2015.Born in Macon, GA on May 25, 1968, she had lived in Columbia area since 1976.She graduated from Irmo High School; she had attended University of South Carolina and College of Charleston.Melissa had been a former Teen Miss South Carolina and Miss Lake Murray. She is survived by her father, J. Sandy Mars, Jr.; brother, Jabe S. Mars III; nieces, Victoria Lynn Mars and Morgan Michaela Mars; nephew, Jabe S. Mars IV.Melissa was predeceased by her mother, Mary Ann Duke Mars in 2013. A family memorial will be held at a later date. Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Humane Society HSPCA, 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 is assisting the family.