What happened to Mama Mosie Burks? Details explored as Gospel legend passes away at 92

Mosie "Mama" Burks, known for her strong voice with the Mississippi Mass Choir, has passed away just weeks after turning 92. For many years, Burks spent her life raising hope through gospel music. She brought words of faith and staying strong to many, from little churches in the South to big, crowded places in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Her live vibe and deep feel made each show more than just a play of songs; it was a marker of the lasting strength of gospel music to link far places and join folks. As word of her death goes around, many fans and other music makers think back on how 'Mama' Burks was the heart of gospel, making sure her mark will ring in choirs and groups for ages to come.

Barbara Amos, Burke's daughter, revealed on Monday, July 7, on social media:

"Good morning, all! It’s taken some time and the right words for me to write this post! My mama, known to all of you as Mama Mosie Burks, has gained her golden crown and is now resting in the arms of our most high and gracious God! She has always been faithful in his word!

She continued:

"Thank you for being a part of her life and earthly journey! As our family prepares for her celebration of life and legacy, we kindly ask that you allow us this time to grieve. We will let you know when and where the arrangements are finalized! Please lift us up in your prayers! Blessings and love always!"

What do those who knew Mama Burks say?

Known as "Mama" Burks, this once-shy lead voice behind some of the Mississippi Mass Choir's top gospel songs spent years not sure if she should be in that spotlight at all. Even though she gave strong feelings and spirit to shows that touched people way past Mississippi's edges, she always asked herself if she was the right one to lead people with songs meant to lift them up and make them feel better.

Mississippi Mass Choir's Executive Head, Jerry Mannery, once told how her unsure feeling turned into a joke between them. Burks truly thought she was not up to it, even as her voice moved thousands and shaped a choir that would reach gospel fans all over the world.

Mississippi Mass Choir took to their Facebook handle and posted a memorable clip of Muma Burks and captioned it as:

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our beloved and legendary members, Mama Mosie Burks. A true Gospel pioneer, Mama Mosie was the unmistakable voice behind some of the Mississippi Mass Choir's most cherished songs, including 'They Got the Word,' 'I'm Not Tired Yet,' and 'This Morning When I Rose.'

"Mama Mosie's powerful voice, unshakable faith, and joyful spirit touched hearts around the world and helped define the sound and soul of the Mississippi Mass Choir. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

All you need to know about Mama Burks

Born June 17, 1933, in Forest, Mississippi, Mosie Ella Burks made her name, a name that shone to be a symbol of strength and unquestioning belief. When she was being raised in a big family with migrant farm workers, her way out was through the soulful melodies of the likes of Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

That was the childhood of an influence that molded a voice that was never to be mistaken, coarse, yes, but profoundly stirring, the voice that sang in the pews of her Church of God in Christ, and, later on, shook the world.

Dynamic yet the driving force behind the Mississippi Mass Choir, Mama Mosie, or so the choir lovingly called her, was a force with which no one could command the same gusto in her song. Her performance of the choir hit, I Am Not Tired Yet in 1993 has stood the test of time as a solid pointer to her strength of endurance and spiritual conviction in realizing a performance.

At this point, with the sound of her death ringing in the ears, her relatives, as well as fellow members of the choir, have requested prayers, with tributes starting to come in, regardless of those offered by different artists and those who fondly admired the late singer.

Mama Mosie Burks did not sing gospel as much as she took its hardships, aspirations, and triumphs on her voice so that her legacy will reverberate long after she is gone.

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