We regret to inform you of the gentle transition of Mama Mosie Burks, 92, the beloved soloist of the Mississippi Mass Choir and a legend of gospel music. Burks' impact crosses generations, nations, and emotions as a towering voice in gospel music and a representation of unwavering faith.
Mosie Burks was born in Forest, Mississippi, on June 17, 1933. Her life story is like a gospel tune: it begins with adversity, is molded by sacrifice, and culminates in divine victory. She grew up picking cotton under the intense Mississippi sun as one of several children in a migrant agricultural family until being forced to leave the fields due to health issues. She discovered her voice during those early years, initially influenced by Sister Rosetta Tharpe's anointed artistry and Mahalia Jackson's strong singing. She began playing the guitar at the age of twelve and was serving as a minister at her local Church of God in Christ.
In order to save money for college, Mosie worked as a housekeeper after moving to Jackson, Mississippi, as an adult. After her mother unexpectedly died at the age of 40, she took on the job of caregiver for her younger siblings, putting a halt to her academic goals. Later, she would get married, have children, and return to school to study voice at Tougaloo College. But once more, tragedy halted her path: following a hit-and-run accident, her husband developed a serious illness that required years of care until his death in 1984.
Mosie continued to be a force in the local churches, noted for her heartfelt solos that reflected the weight of her journey and the grandeur of her religion, while juggling her job at South Central Bell Telephone Company with personal sacrifice. Despite her initial refusal to accept Frank Williams' invitation to join the Mississippi Mass Choir, Mosie's journey to gospel glory was unavoidable. Williams' wife Katrina re-sent the invitation after his death, but this time she included a considerate clause. Mosie married Willie in 1992 when he was offered a job selling products, which allowed the couple to travel with the choir.
After joining, Mama Mosie Burks' voice was booming with conviction and her energy was infectious, making her a shining example of traditional gospel. With her name etched in their hearts, songs like I Love to Praise Him, They Got the Word, and This Morning When I Rose became become anthems. Mama Burks, Burks' first solo album, was released by Malaco Records in 2005 when she was 72 years old. Gospel legend Dorothy Norwood and the Mississippi Mass Choir were included on the CD. She received recognition a year prior in the Disney documentary America's Heart & Soul, which focused on regular people who lead remarkable lives. More than just a vocalist, Mama Mosie Burks was a mother figure to gospel fans worldwide, a ray of hope, and a guardian of historic sites. Although her death signifies the end of an era, her soul will endure in every sanctuary, revival tent, and church aisle where her voice once echoed.
Funeral plans are in the works. Let us keep her memory alive by praying for the Burks family and the Mississippi Mass Choir and showing our appreciation for the gift she gave the world.
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