Valeriya Minina Alford

She pursued her passion for learning and excellence, earning degrees in Accounting from Kennesaw State University and Economics from the Moscow State Academy of Business Administration. She built a successful career as an accountant, most recently with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), where she was respected for her professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Valeriya had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for life that took her to extraordinary places—even to the top of the world. Mountain climbing was among her greatest passions, but she also found joy in hiking, skiing, skydiving, scuba diving, and embracing every new adventure that came her way.

She approached life with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering enthusiasm that inspired everyone who knew her. While she cherished exploring the world, nothing brought Valeriya greater happiness than sharing life's adventures with her children. Some of her most treasured moments were spent creating memories with Larry and their sons, Jack and Luke, cheering them on from the sidelines, and watching them grow through the sports they loved. Her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy were being their mother. Valeriya will be remembered for her adventurous heart, generous spirit, strength, kindness, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, and, in the memories, she created with those she loved.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Alford; her beloved sons, Jack and Luke; her mother, Elena Minina; her father, Vladimir Minin; and her brothers, Igor Minin, Aleksei Minin, Vladimir Minin, and Ivan Minin.

A Memorial Service celebrating Valeriya's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Eastside Church. Though her time with us was far too short, Valeriya's adventurous spirit, boundless love, and beautiful example of living life to its fullest will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.