Organized in 2006, the Krewe of Atlas is named after the mythological Titan warrior Atlas. Krewe Members are bound together by the belief that Mardi Gras is a “Celebration for the Masses.” After storming Olympus and threatening the Gods, Atlas was sentenced to hold up the world on his shoulders forever. Just as the world encompassed people from all walks of like so does our Krewe, and in the spirit of Atlas we strive to lift up our “area of the world” through our community service projects.
About Us
Captain
Cassidy Coker
Queen XIX
JoJo Pappas
Captain XIX is a third year member of the Krewe of Atlas and is a long time resident of Bossier City, La. She is a stay at home mom of two teenage boys, Colton 16 and Gavin, 14. When not feeding all the growing men in her house, she likes to spend time serving her community, singing in the worship band at her church and listening to true crime podcasts. Anyone that knows her, also knows she has a thing for “pigs” (the four legged kind, that is). She served as a Duchess Season XVIII along side her Duke and husband, Daniel. She is honored to be able to serve as Captain Atlas XIX.
Queen XIX has been active with all things Mardi Gras for the past 28 years and pledges to represent the Krewe of Atlas with honor and dignity. She is married to her best friend Jess Gravitt and together they make their home in Waskom, TX and have a blended family of four children. Her two sons Cash and Jake have blessed her with two amazing grandchildren, Teah 14 who happens to be this year’s Princess and her brainiac grandson Cain. During season XVIII she represented our Krewe as Duchess and is humbled to be back this year as Queen. Our Queen has worked in the beauty industry for over 50 years, traveling extensively as an educator for an international nail company. She would like to thank the board members for once again giving her the opportunity Ito serve the Mighty Krewe of Atlas...finally, she would like to thank her family and friends for sharing this special year with her! In her own words, “Now, let’s get this party started!!!!”
Duchess of Murder
Amanda Willis
Duchess of Mystery
Jessica Henderson
Born and raised in Shreveport, LA, Amanda has deep family roots that tie her closely to the community she serves. Graduating from C.E. Byrd in 2011, she then attended La Tech where she was a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and dedicated her time to their national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness. Channeling her creativity into a thriving beauty career, spending the past 14 years with Spa Concepts and earning her certification a Louisiana State Master Barber. Her professional journey is defined by leadership and continuous growth; she regularly participates in New Orleans hair shows, pursues extensive continuing education with Aveda, and shares her expertise as a guest speaker at local beauty school career fairs. A prominent figure in the local fashion scene, she has spent multiple years coordination the hair & makeup department for Shreveport fashion week, collaborating with top-tier industry professionals. For her, success is about giving back...whether behind the chair or through her dedicated support of vital organizations like Shreveport Green, Meals on Wheels, the charity: Water, Heifer International and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Being the lead manager and culture ambassador at Aveda Spa Concepts, where she has spent thirteen years orchestrating high-impact events, elevating business culture from the ground up and supporting community outreach behind the scenes, she is deeply committed to local advocacy, actively supporting her team’s partnerships with essential area non-profits like Shreveport Green and Meals on Wheels while also backing vital global causes, including the charity: Water and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. When she isn’t shaping business culture or planning the next big event, our Jessicailoves traveling to new destinations and hiking the great outdoors. Spending time creating memories with her beloved family, friends and Atlas family keeps her days and heart full.
Duchess of Mayhem
Gayla Boyd
Duchess of Misrule
Sherry McIlwain
A lifetime resident of Louisiana Gayla serves our community as an Auxiliary Sheriff with Caddo Parish...she has owned the best kept secret in Blanchard, LA for the past 30 years, called..”ln Stitches With Gayla”, which also happens to be a sponsor for The Krewe of Atlas. Her four daughters, Sabrina, Christy, Ashley and Charlene are all part of The sewing industry and work in the family business and all she does now is write the checks, sits back, watches and enjoys seeing her girls become women. Gayla has been involved with Mardi Gras since 1998, served as past Queen of the Children’s Krewe, Krewe of Lagniappe and joined Atlas in 2025. He motto is “Be Your Own Hero” and ALWAYS “Give them something to talk about!”
A native of Shreveport and one of six children. Sherry is known to help each and everyone she seems to come in contact with and never meets a stranger. Married since November 1979 she is the devoted wife of Donald A. McILwain and together they have built a loving family. She is the proud mother of Alan A., Marc B. and Cody A. McILwain and loving grandmother of Kayden Baylee, Halynn and Wyatt McILwain. Her greatest joy comes from her family and she treasures every opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones. Known for her warm smile, generous spirit and compassionate nature, she is admired by family and friends alike. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and believes that family, faith and friendship are life’s greatest blessings. She is honored to serve as Mardi Gras royalty with the Krewe of Atlas and is proud to participate in the spirit, fellowship and traditions that brings people together in celebration and community. She looks forward to creating lasting memories with family, friends and fellow members of the Krewe and court.
Princess of Mischief
Teah Mullen
Teah is the only child and daughter of Cash Mullen and is a freshman at Northwood High School. She loves challenging her dad on the golf course, relaxing and making her own clothes. Princess Atlas XIX has been involved in Mardi Gras since the age of four when her grandmother took her to her first bal, and she has attended every year since. She is honored to represent the Krewe of Atlas as a Princess and would like to thank her father and grandparents for making this possible. Thanks also go out to other family members and friends that are here helping her celebrate this special night. After all, she has been looking forward to it for the past ten years.