Carol Ann Marie McCalla

11 October 1940 - 26 January 2026

There are women who break barriers.

And there are women who do so with grace, lipstick, prayer, and impeccable posture.

Carol Ann Marie McCalla was both!

In 1963, she became the first Black flight attendant for Western Airlines, stepping into the skies at a time when doors did not open easily for women who looked like her. She carried herself with elegance, dignity, and quiet strength, blazing a trail without fanfare but with undeniable presence. She retired on May 1, 2000, after a distinguished career that allowed her to do what she loved most—travel, connect, and shine.

Carol was beauty in motion. An ice skater in her younger years, a lover of modeling, social gatherings, and fine living, she embodied poise. She adored her two Jaguars—one lovingly named for her mother: “Baby” and “Odalie.” Her devotion to her mother, Odalie Pierce, was unwavering. When her mom grew older, Carol bought her mother’s home to free her from the burden of a mortgage, ensuring that she’d live her later years in comfort and peace. When her beloved mother passed in 1994, a sacred chapter of Carol’s life ended—but never her love.

Family was her everything next to God!

Carol O was a guiding light to her four nieces and two nephews, present in each of their lives in her own special way. She taught the girls how to walk tall, speak well, and honor their beauty. She taught the boys refinement, confidence, and grace. Every family member carries their Carol story — etiquette lessons, style tips, encouragement, generosity, and even sternness. Carol would not accept misbehaving. By the same token, if any of us had a wish and Carol could make it happen, she would.

Carol loved the racetrack, especially outings to Del Mar Racetrack, Hollywood Park Racetrack, and Santa Anita Park—often alongside her cherished mother, her sisters, a niece or nephew. We all got in on the racetrack. The kids loved the snacks! We’d be remiss not to mention Carol O’s love for sports: tennis, Coco Gauff, the Williams sisters; football: L.A. Chargers, Kansas Chiefs; basketball: the Lakers, and Golden State Warriors,

When her nephew Jude returned from Desert Storm, Carol surprised him with floor seats at a Los Angeles Lakers game—half-court, unforgettable. That day remains etched in his heart.

Carol loved reading, especially her Catholic devotionals, as she was steadfast in her faith. Though in later years, Carol did not attend church in person, she faithfully watched Mass everyday on television. She prayed formally throughout each day, too, meaning she set aside times daily for prayer and gave us the schedule! We often joked she prayed more than the Pope—but her devotion to God and Mother Mary was the true center of her life.

Carol’s beauty was striking, fetching, as they’d say. She was the epitome of class and elegance! Her smile preceded her entry into any room and that smile of hers was contagious! Men were attracted to her like bees to a honeycomb. However, Carol’s had high standards and her favorite man, other than her brother-in-law (big brother) was Jesus who had her whole being!

Carol’s presence was magnetic. She counted among her friends celebrated talents like Johnny Mathis and Leslie Uggams. Yet titles and glamour never defined her as much as her generosity and her faith. Her flight attendant friends were lasting friends, Gisele and Elvia.

A few days before she passed, Carol O’s nieces, her caregiver, Christie and Dafina sang her favorite song, “Unforgettable,” the song she loved in honor of her own mother. Carol tried to sing along. That effort, that smile, that laughter—was her final gift.

Carol Ann McCalla lived beautifully.

She loved deeply.

She prayed faithfully.

She gave generously.

Now she rests with her sisters and her precious mother, reunited in eternal light.

And to all of us who remain—she is, and always will be, unforgettable. 🕊️

Carol Ann-Marie McCalla aka Carol Odalie

Oct. 11, 1940 to Jan. 26, 2026

Surviving family and friends: Bonus sister: Eleanor “Ducky” Rivera, Children of her late oldest and middle sisters: Nieces: Cheryl L. Hayes, Rhonda Dafina Kuficha, Karen Linn Hayes, Christy Louise Cameron-Norman. Nephews: Jude Cameron, and great nephew and nieces. She contributed to several charities. Carol’s dear friends, Gisele, Elvia; and neighbors, Henry and Glenda & family who helped and treated Carol O as family.