Mirah Lesa “Yo-Yo ” Worley
Retired trucker
A Celebrity Driver
It’s been 42 years since Mirah Lesa “Yo-Yo” Worley, a Tennessee native and trucker, gained fame. She appeared on the NBC series “Real People” in 1979, showcasing her driving a 359 Peterbilt with a KTA 600 engine.
Iconic Appearance
The show, recently uploaded to YouTube, cemented Worley’s status in trucking lore, displaying her as a striking Southern belle, confidently stepping out of her custom Peterbilt, all while smoking a Winston Ultra Lite 100.
Challenging the Odds
Viewers can see her compete against “Special K” in a truck race qualifying heat at the Atlanta International Speedway, epitomizing the tough, fierce female trucker of her generation.
Life After Fame
Following her appearance, she received numerous offers, becoming a spokesperson for Yokohama tires and touring the NASCAR circuit, yet felt distracted from her true passion—driving.
A Life on the Road
In a recent phone interview, Yo-Yo reminisced about her trucking career that began in 1973. She drove refrigerated trailers across the U.S., sharing anecdotes about her experiences on the road and the camaraderie among truckers.
Facing Challenges
After stepping away from refrigerated loads, she transitioned to flatbed trucking and later faced a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Her daughter Michelle has created a Facebook group, “Truckin’ With YoYo, Till the End,” to celebrate her legacy and raise funds for her medical needs, garnering support from the trucking community.
Enduring Spirit
Recently, she was surprised with a feature in Blackberry Smoke’s new music video. Despite living with MS and now using a wheelchair, Yo-Yo retains her vibrant spirit, still waking early with hopes of beating traffic. Her wish for the future is poignant, wishing for her ashes to be spread along I-40 in Tennessee, capturing her essence of freedom and the road.
