HAHNVILLE – According to Her Majesty Marie Johnson, Queen of the Krewe of the Young at Heart, being part of the St. Charles Council on Aging’s Mardi Gras Ball and other festivities, “suits me just fine.”

Her consort, King Willie Johnson, says he and his wife are “thrilled to death for the opportunity to participate in the flurry of activities, including the Mardi Gras Ball on Jan. 22 and the Krewe of Lul Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 5.

Although the couple has attended the Council on Aging’s Mardi Gras Balls for the past four years, this was their first time to be part of the Krewe of the Young at Heart Court.

They were nominated by the Nifty Fifties of St Charles Bromeo Church, chosen by a random drawing at the Coronation Tea on Dec. 17, and crowned by Parish President Albert Laque.

Their Royal Highnesses have been members of the Council on Aging for several years and usually have lunch daily at the Norco Senior Citizens Activity Center, where they also participate in social and recreational activities.

They also ride in the Norco Civic Association Christmas parade every year.

The Johnsons are a popular couple in St Charles Parish, and word spread quickly when they became King and Queen of the Krewe of the Young at Heart. “We received a beautiful note of congratulations from our State Representative Gary Smith,” Queen Marie said, “and the first time I walked into the beauty shop, all the ladies in the shop stood up and curtsied. We had the best time.” King Willie said that, everywhere they go, people bow and curtsey and call them “your majesties”.

“We are honored,” Johnson said, “to be representing the Council on Aging, the Nifty Fifties, and the Parish, and we are going to shine.”

The couple has been married for 50 years. They have two daughters, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Willie Johnson, who was born on a plantation in Killona, is retired from Shell. Marie continues enjoying a career as a local marketing demonstrator.

The ninth annual Krewe of the Young at Heart Mardi Gras Ball is open and free of charge to all St Charles residents who are 60 years old and older.

The ball will include a seated dinner, presentation of the Court, and entertainment for the King and Queen.

Tickets may be requested by calling April or Shay at the St. Charles Council on Aging at 783-6683.