KDEQ’s Compass Rose
Many airports have one… it’s an outstanding feature that provides baring and beauty, the Compass Rose. At J. Lynn Helms Airport, the compass rose was added in dedication to a beautiful person who made a lasting impression in Sevier County and the nation, Mrs. Jody McCarrell.
A Lifelong Passion for Aviation
Norma Jo “Jody” McCarrell devoted her life to aviation with passion, precision, and a heart for service. From her earliest days as a pilot, she viewed flight not just as a personal endeavor but as a platform to empower others—especially women—to reach new heights. Her career spanned decades of trailblazing leadership, mentorship, and hands-on involvement in the flying community. Whether in the cockpit or the boardroom, she exemplified excellence, integrity, and a pioneering spirit that made her a beloved figure among aviators nationwide.
Racing into History: the 30th Annual Powder Puff Derby
Jody’s service to The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots was wide-reaching and deeply impactful. She held multiple leadership positions—including Treasurer, Vice President, and International President from 2002 to 2004—guiding the organization through critical years of growth and renewed purpose. Her colleagues frequently praised her ability to conduct official business with efficiency and grace, fostering both progress and unity. Through her leadership, she helped preserve the organization’s proud legacy while expanding its reach to support and inspire the next generation of women pilots.
An Exemplary Leader in the Ninety-Nines
In 1977, Jody took part in the final Powder Puff Derby, the historic All-Women’s Transcontinental Air Race, a 2,190.72-statute-mile journey from Palm Springs, California, to Tampa, Florida. Flying aircraft number 93—a 1962 Cessna Skylane 182E, tail number N99LJ—she competed alongside first-time racers Linda M. Hooker and Peggy Noltensmeyer, all members of The Ninety-Nines. The trio placed 39th in the event, but their participation was a powerful statement of resilience and unity among women pilots. Jody’s role in this final chapter of the Powder Puff Derby underscored her deep commitment to aviation heritage and to lifting up new voices in flight.
She continued to participate in races, competitions, fly-ins, and get togethers throughout her life as a celebration for her love of aviation.
A Legacy of Service that Outlived Her Office
Even after her term as International President, Jody remained an active and vital part of the aviation community. She served as Governor of the Oklahoma Chapter of the South Central Section from 2010 to 2012 and was a fixture at aviation events throughout the region. She continued to support scholarships, promote historical preservation, and serve as a living bridge between generations of pilots. Her dedication to aviation was not confined to any office or title—it was a lifelong calling that she answered with every opportunity to serve.
Mentor, Educator, and Champion of Women Aviators
Outside of formal leadership roles, Jody was best known for her mentorship. For over 40 years, she served as a Chief Navigation Judge at collegiate flying competitions, where her attention to detail, fairness, and encouragement earned her the admiration of student pilots and faculty alike. She gave generously of her time and knowledge, investing in others’ success with the same determination that marked her own journey. Her mentorship extended beyond airfields and competition sites—she was a role model whose support and belief in others helped countless young aviators pursue their dreams with confidence.
Honoring a Life that Continues to Inspire
Jody McCarrell passed away on December 12, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, surrounded by her loved ones. Though she made her home in De Queen, Sevier County, her influence extended across the skies and communities she so passionately supported. In recognition of her enduring contributions, the compass rose at J. Lynn Helms/Sevier County Airport in De Queen has been permanently dedicated in her honor. Reflecting her heartfelt wish to keep advancing opportunities for women in aviation, her family requested that donations be made to the Amelia Earhart Foundation in lieu of flowers. Jody’s story did not end with her final flight—her legacy continues to soar in every life she touched and every dream she helped take wing.
