Michelle Tsahai Dajani

1973 - 2023

Michelle Tsahai Dajani, 49 of Peachtree City, Georgia sadly passed away on April 13, 2023. Michelle was a beautiful and vibrant person who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. 

Michelle was born on September 24, 1973, to parents Lynette Mann and Melford Ward in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. After Michelle graduated from St Hugh’s High School in 1991, she attended The Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. Michelle migrated to the United States of America in 1993. Shortly thereafter, she enlisted and proudly served 8 years with the United States Army as a Combat Medic followed by 2 years in the United States Army Reserve.  

Michelle graduated from Florida International University in Miami, Florida with a double Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems and International Relations with concentrations in International Terrorism and Drug Trafficking. She was pursuing her Master’s Degree in International Relations and Global Security from the American Public University in Charlestown, West Virginia. 

Michelle began her career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on October 29, 2007, as a CBP Officer assigned to Port Everglades (PEV) and Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida under the Miami Field Office. While stationed in Fort Lauderdale she was promoted to a First Line Supervisor on August 10, 2014. Michelle spent 11 years in Fort Lauderdale until October 28, 2018, when she was selected to serve as a First Line Supervisor for the International Field Office and was assigned to the Port of Montreal, Canada.  

While stationed at the Port of Montreal, Michelle was an integral part of the Port’s operations.  Michelle was fundamental in initiating lasting relationships with the local community. She was integral in the establishment of the Montreal Preclearance relationship with the Mohawk People of Kahnawake. This relationship extended to the Consulate General of Montreal and allowed State’s Montreal mission to establish ties with the Kahnawake that remain intact to this day. Michelle spent 4 years on her international assignment in Montreal, Canada until November 6, 2022, when she was selected and promoted to Second Line Supervisor (Chief CBPO) at the Port of Atlanta, in Atlanta, Georgia.  

While stationed at the Port of Atlanta, Michelle was assigned to oversee operations in the Trade and Cargo environment. She began to immerse herself in the operations and enjoyed the challenge of working in a “new” environment.  

Throughout her career, Michelle was full of positivity and a “Ray of Sunshine” in the lives of those she loved and worked with. She was passionate, energetic, and dedicated, and her enthusiasm was infectious.

Michelle was predeceased by her grandparents, Andral and Myrtle Mann. She is survived by her mother, Lynette Mann-McIntosh; stepfather, Barrington Johnson; father, Melford Ward and stepmother, Delores Ward; her daughter, Leah, and her partner, David Porter; brothers, Carl Dunbar and his wife, Nola, Bryan Ward and his wife, Theresa; and sister, Arlene Carty and her husband Davell.  She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances to cherish her memory.

Michelle’s passions involved dancing- she was a dancer/ballerina who performed with Rowe Spence, The Company Dance Theatre and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She loved music, traveling and a quest for learning different culture and customs. Michelle taught us all some fundamental lessons during her short journey through life. Of which, the most memorable was to appreciate life, appreciate each other, quickly mend broken relationships and to live each day as if it was your very last. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity. 

Michelle was a devoted and wonderful mother to her daughter, Leah. We will miss our dear daughter, mother, sister, niece, cousin and friend, as will those she impacted throughout her life, from friends and family to the work she did throughout her career.  

Until the end, Michelle was nothing if not joyful, hopeful and enthusiastic. We will all greatly miss her smile and adventuresome spirit. Michelle, we are better for knowing you, better for loving you, better for having met you. May you be as blessed in the next life, as we are in this one by knowing you.

To honor Michelle’s memory, we are holding a celebration of her life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at The Faith Center. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Monarch Funeral Home and on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10-11AM at The Faith Center.

Michelle will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at South Florida National Cemetery in tribute to the veterans of the United States of America.

May the works I’ve done speak for me.. 

May the life that I live speak for me..

May the service that I give speak for me.. 

The work that I’ve done, it seems so small,

Sometimes, it seems like I’ve done nothing at all.

When I stand before my God,

I want to hear Him say well done.

May the works that I’ve done, speak for me.

Share your memories of Michelle or express condolences to her family through our online guestbook.