Mildred Whatley Park died June 14, 2010, at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital. Mildred known as “Millie”, was born on July 24, 1928, in Beaumont and spent the majority of here life here.
She graduated from Beaumont High School, where she was a cheerleader. Millie was a professional photographer, artist and published author of four children’s books, including Sky Full of Dragons, for which she won the Hawthorne Award for children’s book of the year.
After raising her children, she retuned to college, to earn a double major Masters Degree, in Art and Theatre from Lamar University. She served as Director in charge of Arts related curriculum for Region V Education Center and later for the Beaumont Independent School District, where she was an advocate for developing art appreciation in our children’s lives. After retiring from the school district, she returned to Lamar University to teach Art and Theatre. Millie was also involved with local theatre, as a writer and director.
As a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, she served on the Women’s Alter Guild. She loved her church, her family and her many friends, especially “The Group”. We’ve all been lucky to have Millie in our lives, with her inspiring character, infectious laugh and thoughtful treatment.
Millie is survived by her husband, Marvin Stewart Park; children, Rufus Timothy Wright, Robin Ann Hartel, John Kent Hartel Jr. and his wife Noeline, Leith Hartel Hewitt and her husband Todd, and Melissa Park Peyton and her husband Steve; grandchildren, John Kent Hartel III, Michael Anthony Thomas Hartel, Georgia Leith Hewitt, and Sawyer Mcfaddin Hewitt.
Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2010, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A gathering of her family and friends will follow in the Cloister Room at the church. A family committal will be at Magnolia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association Beaumont Chapter, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas, 77701 would be greatly appreciated.
