Laurie Anne Hankins Traweek

Laurie Anne Hankins Traweek, of Monroe, Louisiana, died May 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was 63 years old.

Born on August 17, 1961, Laurie was raised in Ringgold, Louisiana, by her parents Annette and Jim Hankins. She was a 1979 graduate of Ringgold High School. Laurie attended University of Louisiana Monroe, where she was on the 1981 Homecoming Court. ULM prepared her to do what she does best: help children. She received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1983 and a master’s degree in social work in 1989.

She was a schoolteacher for 20 years and a social worker for 15 years. She pivoted back to teaching as a homebound teacher before retiring in 2018.

As a dedicated social worker, she worked tirelessly to fight for abused and neglected children. With compassion and a steadfast focus on justice, she relentlessly aided the most vulnerable of our population. As a homebound teacher, she was the bridge between the schools and ill students, teaching children from the comfort of their home. Embedded with empathy, Laurie made a lasting impact on children, families and the community. Laurie always gave more than she took and was a shining light of strength to many.

She had a 42-year marriage to Mickey, who took care of her until her passing. She always put her husband and three children first over her own needs. She met the love of her life while in college. Their first date was a Sadie Hawkins dance and their love has only grown ever since. Their strong marriage was amplified by the success and happiness of their children.

Laurie loved tradition, especially involving holidays, parades and anniversaries. She never ceased to provide the best Christmases and Easters for her family. She always knew how to make a birthday extra special, an April Fools’ joke land with laughter, and made the most scrumptious homemade cakes and casseroles. She loved spending time with friends playing Pokeno and enjoyed cackling at monthly get-togethers with the “Birthday Club.”

She was a member of the Junior League of Monroe and was a faithful member of Parkview Baptist Church for 42 years.

More than anything, Laurie will be remembered for her loving and humorous personality, as well as her devotion to faith and family. She had a lovable level of sarcasm, which she undoubtedly passed on to her children. In recent years, she loved spending quality time with her granddaughters, especially cheering them on at the ballpark. She attended Neville football games on Friday nights and ULM tailgating on Saturdays. She always valued her time with her lifelong Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters.

Survivors include her husband Mickey Traweek, children Lauren Voorhees and husband Chris, Lance Traweek and husband Joe Reiss, Adam Traweek and wife Harley; sister Leslie Quinn and husband Tim. She adored her grandchildren: Clare and Violet Voorhees. Laurie was excited about her future grandson, Jett, who will be born in July. Held dear in her heart were her relationships with her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as her nieces and nephews.

Laurie was preceded in death by her parents; and brother Jimmy Hankins. She loved her father-in-law James “Skeeter” Traweek and mother-in-law Barbara Traweek, who were truly a second set of parents to her.

Pallbearers include Jay Adams, Luke Lensing, Vic Bivens, Mark Thomas, Mike Flemister, Bruce Moore, Gene Berry, Brent Vidrine, Jack Hightower, Jimbo Martin and Robby Tassin. Honorary pallbearers include Parkview Baptist Church Deacons and the “Neville Faithful 7.”

Donations can be made in her honor to Parkview Baptist Church Children and Youth Ministries.

Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Monday, May 5, at Parkview Baptist Church (1001 Forsythe Ave. in Monroe, Louisiana). A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. under the direction of Parkview Pastor Terry Barnes and Mulhearn Funeral Home. A graveside burial will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 623 US-80 in Monroe.