December 26, 2025, 103, Kinston – Mildred Page Hogarth passed on December 26, 2025, holding the hand of her daughter, Mary Page. Throughout her life, she was guided by the Holy Spirit, and in her final moments, her faith was stronger than ever. She passed just two days after the anniversary of her beloved husband’s death, Jack Hogarth, who had been waiting for her in Heaven since Christmas Eve, 2012.
Known to those who loved her as “Mickey,” she was born with a paintbrush in her hand on March 1, 1922, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She lived her early years in Spartanburg and graduated from Converse College with a BFA and began her art and teaching career. In 1948, she and Jack settled in Kinston, North Carolina, where she went on to inspire generations of artists, quilters, teachers, and students, both within her family and throughout the community. Mickey was one of the founding members of the Kinston Community Arts Center and proudly saw it through its growth. She earned her MFA from East Carolina University and devoted her entire teaching career to high school art in Kinston and the Lenoir County public schools. She also loved books, even when we had to buy them for her in extra-large print.
In addition to her husband, Mickey was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her brother, Cliff Page, aged 106, and her sister, Toddy Page Atwater, aged 101, as well as her two daughters, Irene Hogarth Neal (Charles) and Mary Page Whitley (Bob), five grandchildren: Whit Whitley, Ben Whitley, John Neal, Page Neal, and Mary Beth Farhi, and eleven great-grandchildren.
We will pass the time without her by sharing stories of her quick wit, remarkable memory, unwavering positivity, and steadfast faith. We are forever blessed with the paintings hanging in our homes, which will remind us every day of her legacy. Mickey loved God’s nature most of all—the birds, the flowers, and the beauty of early spring—which she brought to life through her artwork. She captured all things bright and beautiful, every creature great and small, and all things wise and wonderful.
There are many people to thank, including her caregivers, whose compassion and dedication brought her comfort. Her graveside service will be held at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, North Carolina, on Tuesday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend, and a reception celebrating Mickey’s life will be held at the Kinston Country Club after.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kinston First Baptist Church, 2600 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504, or charities of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
