November 24, 1951 – November 12, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Freida Kay Bryson of Canton. Freida passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 12, 2024, after a life beautifully lived.

Freida was known for her kind, gentle and undeniably loving spirit. Born November 24, 1951, in Wichita Falls, Freida grew up in Houston as the middle child between two brothers. Freida’s parents introduced her to music at an early age, and it became her lifelong passion. Freida was an accomplished pianist and vocalist, and she often used those talents to praise the Lord. Freida was never intrusive in demonstrating her faith, but she walked every step of her life with Christ, leaving no doubt she was a child of God. Freida attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, where she met Hoy Bryson, Jr. during her first weekend at school.

The pair quickly became inseparable, and they married the next spring on May 21,1971. Freida finished her degree in education and began what would become a career spanning 30 years as an elementary teacher. Ever thirsting for knowledge, that did not end Freida’s educational journey. Attending night school, she went on to receive her Master of Arts degree in Education, and after retirement, she earned an LVN nursing certificate. Freida and Hoy welcomed their first child, Rachel, in 1974, followed by Hoy III in 1976, Nathan in 1980, and Sarah in 1982. Freida was a patient, compassionate and selfless mother. But as ideal as she was a mother, she was an even better grandmother. Freida’s eight grandchildren were her pride and joy and her greatest legacy.

Freida will be lovingly remembered by Hoy, her beloved husband of 53 years, as well as by her children: Rachel Penwarden and her husband, Heath, along with their children Kaylee and Samuel; Nathan Bryson and his wife, Tiffany, and their children Natalee and Ethan; Sarah Salmon and her husband, Tim, and their children, Elliot and Fletcher; and Hoy, III and his children, Layla and Charles.

Freida is further survived by her mother, Carlene Himstedt, and by her two brothers, Fred Himstedt, III and his wife, Cherry; and Dennis Himstedt. Freida was preceded in death by her father, Fred Himstedt, Jr.

To commemorate Freida’s incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a memorial service will be held in her honor at Little Hope Baptist Church, Canton, Texas, on December 7, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.