Dustin Valencia

Dustin Louis Valencia went to dance with abandon and make music on the streets of heaven on May 14, 2025. Our greatest comfort is knowing that he is home with the Lord, and that one day, we will see him again.
Born on October 13, 1981, in Lakewood, California, Dustin was the first child born to Louie and Terry Valencia. They loved their boy with all their hearts and laid a foundation of faith that took root into all that he did. He was raised in Anaheim, California (along with his two siblings, Kyle and Elyse, and a host of sweet grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) and Johns Creek, Georgia, where he graduated from Chattahoochee High School in 2000. Some of his favorite memories of his teen years were serving on Bridgeway Church's student leadership team, having computer parties, driving (anywhere), and spending time with his family.
During his years as a student, Dustin was deeply involved in ministry. He learned to play guitar and served faithfully on the worship and leadership teams for Bulldog Christian Fellowship/InterVarsity at the University of Georgia. These years were marked by a strong Acts community that gifted him some of his dearest friends. Known for his quiet strength and steady leadership, he was a dear friend and mentor to many. During Dustin's time at the University of Georgia (Go, Dawgs!), he could be found playing guitar with friends, playing ultimate frisbee on the Meyer's quad, traveling abroad for study (Spain) or missions (Amsterdam, West Virginia, etc.), grabbing a late night Philly at Snelling dining hall, attending concerts, or hanging out with Jen (and skipping macroeconomics).
His commitment to service continued throughout his life – through community involvement and church leadership. Dustin went on to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing and Spanish from the University of Georgia in 2004 and later completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of North Georgia in 2014. A devoted member of Stonecreek Church and later The Vine Community Church, Dustin found great joy in worshipping and serving within the church community. He led mission trips to Haiti and Ecuador, and was an advocate for children and vulnerable communities, as well as a fierce supporter of Compassion International, 127 Worldwide, and the Christian Alliance for Orphans. He volunteered in numerous roles over the years. Among these responsibilities, working with students and the worship team held a special place in his heart.
A proud supporter of Georgia football and Atlanta Braves baseball, Dustin rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Dawgs and Braves. One of his great joys was taking the kids to Braves games and enjoying Georgia football at home with his family. His enthusiasm for his alma mater and beloved baseball team was matched only by his love for root beer floats – a simple pleasure that brought him great delight.
Dustin loved music, movies, traveling, CrossFit, anything on the Big Green Egg, and cortados. He had a knack for finding the best spots no matter where he was. His quiet demeanor and unassuming sense of humor always made things more fun. He was the best of us. With his indomitable positive attitude, steadfastness, and unwavering patience, he handled the hard stuff well. You wanted him on your team - and there are many teams out there who will feel his absence. He was highly active throughout his entire life, from childhood baseball to CrossFit, marathon running, sports leagues with coworkers, and he just recently completed his first triathlon. Dustin was always up for an adventure! He also loved experiencing God's creation outdoors, spending much of his later years hiking, biking, skiing, and camping with family and friends. Dustin loved every minute he could spend with his children. It was his joy to coach Moses' baseball team and attend every softball and flag-football game, ballet recital, swim meet, and polo match. Some of his favorite memories were those times spent adventuring with his family out west and beyond. Jen and the kids were the great loves of his life, and he led them well by the way he followed Jesus.
Dustin is lovingly remembered by his spouse of 19 years, Jen; children (Sophia, Olivia, Harper, Moses, Ezra); Grandparents (Elizabeth Valencia, Jerry and Joyce DeBoer); parents (Louie and Terry Valencia, Bruce and Esther Mason); brothers Kyle Valencia (Jessie), Eric Mason (Becky), Justin Mason (Nichole); sister Elyse Banks (Daniel); and a host of dear cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and friends. Dustin leaves behind a legacy of faith in God, service to others, and love for family.
Visitation, open to all family and friends, will be held on Saturday May 24th, 2025, from 1:30-2:30 at The Vine Community Church (4655 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040). This will be followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00pm. A reception will follow the service, also open to all family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dustin may be made to provide additional financial support for the Valencia family. You may use one of several GoFundMe options set up by different communities that the Valencias are part of, or you can give through The Vine. Donations can be made to The Vine's Benevolence Fund. These tax-deductible gifts go entirely toward supporting Vine families facing crisis or need. We are committed as a church to financially helping the Valencia family using these funds. Checks can be made payable to The Vine Community Church - please include "Benevolence" in the memo line. Online donations may be made through our website (https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=e115e702-6864-11ee-90fc-1260ab546d11&locationId=e4784c8b-353f-4e51-b6538c3ad38cf48c&fundId=add4f88e-02cf-44df-be29-6e81de9ddb3f) by selecting the "Benevolence" option in the fund dropdown.