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The Unforgettable Legacy Of Yo-Yo Worley: 5 Milestones That Defined The Trucking Icon

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The trucking world is mourning the loss of a true legend. As of today, December 25, 2025, the most significant and recent news surrounding Lesa "Yo-Yo" Worley is the sad confirmation of her passing. Mirah Lesa Worley Hughes, better known to the trucking community by her iconic CB handle, "Yo-Yo," passed away on June 2, 2025, in Halls, Tennessee, at the age of 68. Her death marks the end of an era for a woman who spent nearly four decades as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, leaving behind a legacy of grit, talent, and pioneering spirit.

This article serves as a tribute to the unforgettable life and career of Yo-Yo Worley, a 39-year veteran trucker whose accomplishments extended far beyond the open road. From historic race wins to a courageous battle with a debilitating disease, Lesa Worley’s story is one of unwavering dedication and inspiration for generations of truck drivers, especially women, who followed in her path.

Mirah Lesa "Yo-Yo" Worley Hughes: A Pioneering Biography

Mirah Lesa Worley Hughes, universally known as "Yo-Yo," was more than just a truck driver; she was a semi-celebrity and a cultural icon within the American trucking community. Her life, though cut short by a long battle with multiple sclerosis, was filled with groundbreaking achievements.

  • Full Name: Mirah Lesa Worley Hughes (formerly Lesa Worley)
  • Nickname/Handle: Yo-Yo
  • Born: October 16, 1956
  • Birthplace: Lenoir City, Tennessee
  • Passed Away: June 2, 2025
  • Place of Death: Halls, Tennessee
  • Age at Passing: 68
  • Career: 39-year veteran truck driver, female trucking pioneer, singer
  • Key Accomplishment: Winner of the first Atlanta Motor Speedway bobtail truck race (1979)
  • Notable Health Battle: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Family: Survived by her daughter, Lesa Michelle Hughes, and other family members.

Born in Lenoir City, Tennessee, Lesa Worley's passion for the road began early. She adopted the CB handle "Yo-Yo," a name that became synonymous with skill and resilience on the highway. Her career spanned nearly four decades, during which she witnessed and helped shape the evolution of the trucking industry, always standing out as a formidable and respected female trucker.

The Historic 1979 Atlanta Motor Speedway Victory

One of the most defining moments of Lesa Worley’s career, and a major milestone for women in the sport, was her victory at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

In 1979, the Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted its inaugural bobtail truck race. A "bobtail" refers to a semi-truck driving without a trailer, a competition that tests the driver's skill, speed, and control of the powerful machine.

Lesa “Yo-Yo” Worley entered the event and made history by becoming the first-ever winner of the race.

This achievement instantly elevated her status from a respected truck driver to a genuine trucking icon and semi-celebrity. The victory was a powerful statement that skill behind the wheel transcended gender, inspiring countless other women to pursue a career in the traditionally male-dominated trucking industry. Her win cemented her legacy as a true trailblazer.

A Life Beyond the Cab: Music and Media Presence

Yo-Yo’s charisma and talent were not limited to the interstate and the racetrack. She cultivated a significant media presence, which further amplified her status as a cultural figure in the 1970s and 80s.

She was known to be a singer, often belting out tunes on stage at trucking events and gatherings. This musical side of her personality added another layer to her celebrity, making her a beloved figure among her peers and fans.

Her obituary even notes that she had a song titled “Hey Yo-Yo,” a testament to her unique and memorable persona.

Furthermore, her dynamic personality and groundbreaking career attracted media attention beyond the trucking press. She was featured in various segments, including one noted in a 1979 publication, which highlighted her as a prominent female trucker from Tennessee.

This early media exposure helped solidify her image as a "road warrior" and a champion for women in a tough profession, ensuring that the name Lesa "Yo-Yo" Worley was known far and wide.

The Courageous Battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Despite her resilience, Lesa Worley’s impressive 39-year trucking career was ultimately cut short due to a long and debilitating battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. For a professional driver whose livelihood depended on physical capability and endurance, this diagnosis was devastating.

Her daughter, Lesa Michelle Hughes, organized a GoFundMe campaign to help with the financial strain of her mother's illness. The campaign provided a heartbreaking update, explaining that the MS had severely weakened her muscles, including those around her heart, illustrating the severity of her condition in her final years.

Even after her career was forced to end, her spirit remained strong. Despite the severe limitations imposed by the disease, her greatest wish was simply to get back in a truck one more time, a wish she was able to fulfill in a limited capacity, demonstrating her lifelong devotion to the road.

Her fight against MS became another chapter in her life story, showcasing her incredible courage and determination, earning her even more respect from the trucking community. The community rallied around her, sharing messages of support and respect for her adventurous spirit and legacy as a trailblazer.

The Lasting Impact and Legacy of a Trucking Legend

The passing of Mirah Lesa Worley Hughes, Yo-Yo, on June 2, 2025, reverberated through the entire trucking community. The outpouring of tributes on social media and industry forums was immense, with many recognizing her as a foundational figure for women in the industry.

She proved that women could not only compete but could dominate in the world of professional trucking and motorsports. Her name is frequently mentioned alongside other prominent female truckers who defied expectations and carved their own paths.

Her accomplishments—the 1979 Atlanta Motor Speedway win, her long tenure as a professional driver, and her vibrant personality—will continue to inspire future generations. She is remembered as a kind, adventurous, and pioneering woman who embodied the spirit of the open road.

The phrase "Rest in Peterbilt Heaven, Mommy," shared by her daughter, perfectly captures the bittersweet farewell to a woman whose life was so deeply intertwined with the semi-trucks she loved. Lesa "Yo-Yo" Worley's legacy is secure: she was a true original, a road warrior who paved the way for others, and a legend who will never be forgotten.

lesa yo yo worley
lesa yo yo worley

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