Mosie “Mama” Burks Obituary – Gospel Icon and Mississippi Mass Choir Legend Dies at 92
The world of gospel music, especially within the Mississippi Mass Choir and the Navajo Nation, has lost one of its most beloved voices. Mosie “Mama” Burks, a powerhouse vocalist whose soul-stirring performances uplifted congregations and audiences far beyond Jackson, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 92
🌟 Life & Legacy
Born on June 17, 1933, in Forest, Mississippi, Mosie Burks grew up in a large migrant farming family. Her childhood, filled with toil and hardship, introduced her early to the soulful strains of gospel greats like Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She first stepped up to the pulpit as a guitarist and singer in the Church of God in Christ.
Her life’s journey—from working the fields, to cleaning houses to support her siblings, to joining Southern Bell as a telephone operator—was marked by resilience and selflessness . Even as life’s demands pulled her away from music, her calling remained strong; despite initial hesitation, she joined the Mississippi Mass Choir in 1993 at the encouragement of its leadership—and her husband Willie became crew during tours so they could travel together
🎤 A Vocalist for the Ages
Over decades with the choir, Mama Burks’ voice rose above the rest—fiery, commanding, deeply emotive. She became the choir’s signature soloist on such stirring staples as:
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“This Morning When I Rose”
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“They Got the Word”
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“I Love to Praise Him”
In 2005, at the age of 72, Mama Burks released her debut solo album, Mama Burks, produced by Malaco Records. The album featured the Mississippi Mass Choir and legends like Dorothy Norwood . That same year, she was also featured in America’s Heart & Soul, a Disney film celebrating everyday heroes.
Her global reach was unprecedented—she traveled the world with the choir, performing for audiences that included international stages and even the Pope
🎶 Honors & Recognition
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A central figure in the Mississippi Mass Choir since the 1990s
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Renowned gospel soloist with a voice described as “roof-raising”
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Solo album and featured appearances on major gospel projects
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Universal acclaim from fans, musicians, and fellow artists alike
💐 Final Reflections
Mosie “Mama” Burks embodied everything gospel stands for—faith, resilience, and the power of song to heal and uplift. Her warmth, spirit, and profound talent made her not just a choir member, but a guiding light and role model for generations. Her legacy lives on in every stirring note of gospel music and in every life she inspired.
Mama Burks is survived by her beloved husband Willie, her family, and a global community of admirers. Though she is gone from our sight, her voice and legacy resonate eternally in the halls of heaven.
Rest in power and peace, Mama Burks. Your song lives forever.