Deborah Jean Frierson Kvam

Deborah Jean Frierson Kvam, 93 of Canton, Georgia died, Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025 and is with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Debby was born in Akron, Ohio on July 16, 1932 to the late Rev. Eugene Frierson and Bernice Stuver Frierson. Debby was the oldest of three and is survived by her brothers, Dr. Ed Frierson (Bettye) of Venice, Florida and Mr. John Frierson (Mimi) of San Rafael, California.
She leaves to cherish her memory: BJ Baskin (Larry), Roger Kvam, Jr (Robyn) and was predeceased by 21days, her special son Eugene Frierson Kvam. Eight grandchildren: Roger Baskin (Brittney), Andrew Baskin (Evin), William Baskin, Daniel Baskin (Melissa), Lynnea Urbanowicz (Tim), Joshua Kvam (Jessica), Michael Kvam (Elise) and Zachary Kvam (Sarah).
Sixteen great grandchildren: Kendall, Archer and Rex Baskin; John Paul and Madeleine Baskin; Brady, Jonathan, Eliana and Sophia Urbanowicz; Myah, Benaiah, Gianna, David and Josiah Kvam; Mia and Coco Kvam.
Debby was an extraordinary woman. After graduating from Kenmore High School in 1950 she went to Wheaton College graduating with a degree in political science in 1954. At Wheaton, she met the love of her life, her partner for 65 years, Roger Kvam. Together they had a ministry to university students and faculty, church congregations, and families of special needs children in the various places they lived.
A trained teacher, Debby was versatile and able to teach from Kindergarten to High School. She received a graduate degree in education from Boston University.
After her second son was born with Downs Syndrome she focused on special needs and learned all she could about educating special children. Debby focused on mainstreaming those children and education programs that would advance skills. Her vision was for one counselor to assist one special child, and she started a day camp in Ohio for special needs children, Kvam's Kinder Camp. After 10 years, the camp was donated to the University of Akron for their educational program.
Debby was a born teacher, always instructing her older children how to cook, do laundry, sew a button, iron a handkerchief and proper etiquette. The lessons were caught and to this day her children remember that fondly. She was also a lifelong learner-a new skill, gardening, a new food to try and prepare. Debby's hands were always busy. Cross-stitch, needlepoint, crewel, bargello, tatting - her home is filled with beautiful pieces she created. She was an incredible keyboard artist and could play any hymn, jazz song and shared her musical talent with many. Her fingers flew back and forth on the keyboard. When she learned she would be living on Mackinac Island in Michigan, she studied and put in the flying hours to receive her pilots license to be able to get on and off the island.
Debby and Roger were experienced world travelers and loved to go to new places. She especially enjoyed new cultures. Her top favorites included a trip to China and one to South Africa. Her passport was well used. They spent many summers in Chester, England, a favorite place with good friends, Michael and Myrtle Baughen, Roger Barley, Fred and Mary Wilkinson.
Debby lived life to the fullest. She was a supportive wife to her husband, a loving mother to her children and a teacher and mentor to many. We are grateful for her example and zest for life. She is now reunited with her husband and son. To God be the glory!
Memorial gifts can be made to the Cloudland Presbyterian Church Grounds Fund, Cloudland Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 383, Cloudland, GA 30731.
A memorial service is planned for early spring 2026 at the Cloudland Presbyterian Church.
The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kvam family.