Britt Leoni
•6/23/2026
When it comes to leaving a legacy, Ashley Johnson didn't expect hers to be so bright."It's just such a fulfilling purpose," Johnson said. "I want their eyes to feel good. It's about the color. It's the dopamine."Contrary to what your eyes may believe, Johnson wasn't born a painter. Her work shines thanks to friendship.When Johnson first met her friend, Peggy Hofmann Leather, at work a few years ago. She instantly knew she had met her mentor."We look at it like she's the mama painter, and I'm the baby painter. That's how we look at it," Johnson said. Through the years, as Hofmann Leather helped Ashley's art grow, they've also faced highs and lows."She didn't get rid of me," Johnson said, laughing. "Then she became way more than a mentor; she was there for me through a lot of tough times.""That's what friends are for," Hofmann Leather said. Not only did Johnson learn to put color to canvas, but she also learned that a legacy lasts long after one is gone.On June 15, Hofmann Leather died after a battle with cancer, leaving Johnson with a message for her that she'll hold close to her heart."I love you so much," Johnson said. "Thank you for and thank you for being so wonderful to me for three years. You have made an impact that almost nobody made for 43."Proving the most important legacy isn't in what we accomplish, it's in the lives we touch along the way.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
