Born with an adventurous spirit, Jo Ann’s passion for aircraft led her on a journey that would captivate the world’s interest. In the early 2000s, she purchased a defunct Boeing 727 plane. Instead of scrapping it, she saw its potential as a home and embarked on an ambitious endeavor to convert it into a suitable place to live.
A Vision Realized
With meticulous planning and restoration, Jo Ann transformed the airplane’s cabins into a warm and unique house. It was no easy task, but Jo Ann’s unwavering dedication to her vision paid off in the end.
Today, her Boeing 727 residence stands as a testimony to her singular vision and perseverance. Nestled in the woods, this one-of-a-kind edifice has drawn international attention and praise.
The Sky is the Limit
Jo Ann’s story is an inspiration to anyone with a desire or passion. It demonstrates that the sky is truly the limit when it comes to bringing aspirations into reality with devotion and ingenuity. Her journey began in 1993 when her home in Benoit, Mississippi was devastated. As a widow with two children and limited funds, finding a new place to live was a challenge.
Initially considering a trailer, Jo Ann soon realized it wouldn’t accommodate her large family. That’s when her in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller, suggested something unique – living on a plane.
Intrigued by the idea, Jo Ann visited a disassembled Boeing 727. It was love at first sight, and she purchased it for just $2,000, shipping included.
Affectionately named “Little Trump” after discovering that Donald Trump also owned a private Boeing 727, Jo Ann embarked on the challenging task of transforming it into a functional living space. With a budget of less than $30,000, she turned her dream into a reality.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
To ensure stability during the interior renovations, Jo Ann positioned the plane on her property with its nose pointing out over a lake, securely anchored by a substantial amount of concrete.
Despite the non-functioning windows, common in commercial airplanes, the presence of air conditioning made this issue inconsequential. Jo Ann wasted no time in revamping the interior space of around 1,500 square feet. She created three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and even a laundry facility within the plane.
But perhaps the most impressive transformation was turning the cockpit into a luxurious master bathroom with a soaking tub. Jo Ann carefully designed the layout to provide a sense of floating while enjoying the stunning view of the lake.
A Labor of Love
Remarkably, Jo Ann completed the entire renovation herself. From 1995 to 1999, she happily lived aboard her converted plane. Eventually, she decided to transform it into a public museum.
Unfortunately, during the process of relocating the plane for display, a mishap occurred, leading to its disintegration. Despite this setback, Jo Ann’s ingenuity and determination left an indelible mark on the world of unique housing.
Jo Ann Ussery’s story serves as an inspiration, especially for those who refuse to let challenges dampen their dreams. It reminds us all that with a bit of creativity and a whole lot of determination, we can turn our dreams into reality, no matter how unconventional they might be.
