SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- Mrs. Mary Johnson, the founder of the influential baton and drum squad known as the Peppermints, passed away in September 2025 at the age of 75.
Johnson, a dedicated teacher and community figure, established the Peppermints in 1973 to create opportunities for local youth, particularly her daughters, during a time when such programs were scarce.
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Peppermints flourished, providing both boys and girls with a platform to express themselves and develop their talents…