Dara (Metcalfe) McCord

Dara Metcalfe McCord

December 10, 1979 – February 9, 2026

Dara left this earthly plane on February 9, 2026, peacefully at home in the arms of her beloved husband, Chris McCord. At just 46 years old, she lived an extraordinary life, defined not by its length but by its depth, its power, and its impact.

Born in Tampa, Florida, Dara entered this world destined to move through it boldly. Anyone who met her felt her strength immediately. She carried herself with a rare blend of grace and wisdom, balanced perfectly by a wicked sense of humor and an undeniable ability to be the life of the party. Her charm was effortless, but her true magic was deeper. Dara had the gift of truly seeing people. Not just who they were in that moment, but who they could become. She saw light where others felt lost. Dara made that gift her life’s work.

A lifelong student of the world, Dara earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from University of Georgia. Shortly after, she followed a calling into massage therapy, and her path as a healer began to unfold. She became a Reiki Master and immersed herself in energy work, quickly building a reputation as someone profoundly gifted with a restorative presence. 

Dara’s vision extended beyond the walls of a massage room. She dreamed of creating sacred space, space for healing, growth, and connection. Alongside her dearest friend Abby, she brought that dream to life with the founding of Future Perfect in Cabbagetown in 2016. What began as a vision became a haven, a sanctuary offering spa services, energy work, spiritual exploration, and community.

Most recently, Dara, alongside her friend, Jamie, expanded that vision even further with the creation of their nonprofit Future Perfect Integrated Wellness ensuring that healing could reach even more people. Her legacy now lives on not only in the hundreds of students she taught, but in the countless lives she touched.

When she wasn’t busy trying to heal the world, Dara was fully alive in it. She played the ukulele, belly danced, devoured books, and delighted in Atlanta’s vibrant food scene. She knew how to celebrate life, in quiet ritual and in contagious laughter.

She leaves behind the love of her life, Chris McCord, her partner, her anchor, her home. She also leaves their beloved furry children, Cher Bear, Pony, Zig Zag, and Purple, each assigned their own little piece of her spirit: protection, joy, comedy, and sweetness.

She is survived by her family, her mother, Elaine and step father, Barry. Her Father, Bill and stepmother Viola.  Her sister, Kerry, nephew and niece, Michael and Kory, along with her beloved Aunts and cousins. And, an expansive circle of devoted friends who will carry her memory forward. As well as many others whose lives were intertwined with hers in ways both profound and playful.

Dara’s spirit, her wit, her passion, and her unmistakable presence will continue to ripple outward. In every space she created. In every student she empowered. In every friend she loved fiercely.  

Individuals are encouraged to make a donation to Future Perfect Integrated Wellness at https://www.futureperfectmassage.com/non-profit

Services will be held at:  the Moore Chapel at Legacy Park on Tuesday, February 17th at 12:30 pm

442 S. Columbia Dr, Decatur, Ga 30030

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