Dinara S. McMichael

Dinara Star McMichael
3/21/1998 - 10/4/2024
Dinara Star McMichael, age 26, special individual, bright light and inspiration to many, passed away on October 4 after a long battle with her mental health. Born in the country of Kazakhstan, Dinara spent her formative years primarily in an orphanage in the village of Rudny. In 2004 she came home to America with her adoptive parents, Stan McMichael and Larisa Scott of Newnan.
Dinara immediately formed a strong bond with her parents, new extended family members and relished living in Newnan, Ga. Speaking Russian when she arrived, she was soon reading and writing on grade level at Atkinson Elementary School- her teacher father and librarian mother helped her get there, but she was determined to learn and showed immense will to achieve. Dinara was an eager and willing learner. She transferred to Woodward Academy early on where she attended school until she graduated in 2017. Dinara thrived on the opportunities at Woodward, loved her teachers and classmates, plus took advantage of many cultural enrichments.
Dinara loved travel with her family accompanying her mother and/or father on multiple trips to Disney, NYC, the Georgia Coast- and when she got older Italy, Ireland, Jamaica, and to many US travel destinations - she was always ready for adventure. However, Dinara's greatest love in life was music. From the start Dinara learned many folk and classic rock songs. She developed a deep passion for the Irish band U2 seeing them many times in concert and even meeting lead singer Bono. Dinara also played tennis, was an avid crafter, and amateur cook. Her most prevalent pastime in life was playing guitar and serenading her grandmother especially, but also friends and other family.
Dinara was a great friend and caretaker of many children, elderly relatives and animals. She had a natural tendency toward caretaking at an early age.
After graduating from Woodward, Dinara chose to attend Young Harris College in N. Georgia. As a YH Mountain Lion, Dinara played classical guitar concerts and adored the natural setting of the mountains. During the pandemic, Dinara transferred to the University of W Georgia where she graduated with honors and a degree in psychology in May of 2023.
Dinara cherished her extended family at the Mad Mexican restaurant in downtown Newnan where she worked off and on for many years. She had a small pet-sitting business and went above and beyond to make sure pets were well cared for. One of Dinara's God given true talents was that of videographer, video production and photography. She effortlessly composed brilliant photos and short videos set to music.
Dinara both soared and struggled in life. She was passionate about living and constantly strived to make meaningful connections with others. She was a unique individual with beautiful Asian features, coupled with a strong southern accent and Irish last name. She was submersed in arts and culture in life, but was down to earth and always ready to help anyone. Dinara's parents both cite Dinara as being their greatest teacher in life. There were many layers to Dinara who constantly looked for ways to shine her internal light.
Because of Dinara's supreme love of music, her parents chose Newnan non-profit, More Music Foundation to set up a fund in her name. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MMF at https://moremusicfoundation.org/donate/ or check by mail to More Music Foundation, 3193 Happy Valley Circle, Newnan 30263. Dinara's fund is being used to purchase guitars for at risk youth. MMF is an organization that provides guitars and other instruments to young students in need and with a desire to learn music.
Dinara is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Deborah Prather Loper and Ray Mitchell of Camilla, Ga and paternal grandparents David and Rena McMichael of Newnan. Survivors include her mother, Larisa Scott (Michael) and Stan McMichael (Sherry Cook) both of Newnan, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly. Dinara, an only child, held close the precious relationships with her 7 cousins Bowen (Lilia), Ella, Hannah, Sonny (Paris), Colleen and Russ and her 3 step-siblings Elizabeth (Michael), Katie and Nate.
Dinara's celebration of life service is Sunday, October 13, 2pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newnan. Reception following in the fellowship hall at St. Paul's. Dinara's ashes will be interred at Oak Hill Cemetery. There is no visitation or graveside service for Ms. McMichael.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com
McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580