Mikalene Joan Travers

Mikalene Joan Travers, 78, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Born November 28, 1947, in Danville, Illinois, Mikalene was the daughter of the late Vern and May Faryan Hathaway. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Mikalene earned her bachelor’s degree and dedicated many years to education, touching countless young lives through her work as a educator. Her teaching career spanned multiple states and roles, including Head Start and junior high schools in Illinois, elementary education in Georgia, substitute teaching, and service at St. Joseph School in Macon. She also shared her enthusiasm and creativity as an assistant Odyssey of the Mind coach. Known among family and friends as a reliable source for weather updates, Mikalene had practical wisdom and attentiveness that made her someone others naturally turned to.

Above all, Mikalene found her greatest joy in her family. She cherished time spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She will be remembered for her dedication and the steady presence she brought to those around her, along with her unique claim of never having orange fingers from Cheetos.

Mikalene’s legacy lives on in the many students she inspired, the family she adored, and the community she served with compassion and care.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband, James Travers; children James Travers (Jill), Elizabeth Williamson (Richard); grandchildren, James Travers, Catherine Travers, Veronica Williamson, Theresa Williamson; as well as many other beloved extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. Afterward, Mikalene Joan Travers

will be laid to rest privately.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.