Jo Ann Ussery’s story is one of creativity, determination, and thinking outside the box. In 1993, after losing her home in Benoit, Mississippi, Ussery embarked on an extraordinary journey to create a unique living space. Instead of opting for a traditional house, she transformed a retired Boeing 727 into a fully functional and cozy home.
The idea came from her brother-in-law, Bob, an air traffic controller, who suggested living in an airplane. Intrigued, Ussery visited a decommissioned Boeing 727 and immediately fell in love with it. For just $2,000, including shipping, she purchased the plane and named it “Little Trump,” inspired by Donald Trump’s private jet.
Over the next few years, Ussery poured her heart and soul into the project. She spent under 30,000(around60,000 today) to convert the 1,500-square-foot aircraft into a comfortable home. The plane, which featured 76 windows, was positioned on her property with its nose facing a scenic lake, offering breathtaking views.
Ussery’s creativity shone through in every detail. She installed new flooring, improved insulation, and repurposed the plane’s bathroom and overhead compartments for storage. The result was a stunning three-bedroom home with a living area, kitchen, laundry room, and even a luxurious master bathroom in the cockpit, complete with a soaking tub overlooking the lake.
From 1995 to 1999, Ussery and her children lived in their unique home, enjoying the comforts of their one-of-a-kind space. Eventually, she turned the plane into a museum to share her creation with the public. Sadly, during a move, the plane slipped off its carriage and was destroyed.
Though the plane is no longer standing, Ussery’s story remains an inspiring example of what can be achieved with vision, creativity, and perseverance.
