Mama Mosie Burks dies at 92: A look back at her professional journey and career

Mama Mosie Burks has passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a powerful legacy in gospel music. She was a singer of the Mississippi Mass Choir and had become a beloved presence in the gospel community over the years. The news of her demise was confirmed by her daughter, Barbara Amos, through social media communication, in which she said:

"My mama, known to all of you as Mama Mosie Burkes, 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. Thank you for being a part of her life and earthly journey. We will let you know when and where the arrangements are finalized. Please lift us up in your prayers!"

Mama Mosie Burks - a brief history

Mama Mosie Burks was born on June 17, 1933, in Forest, Mississippi. She grew up working in cotton fields before she found her vocation in music. She was taken with music from an early age, and she began to play the guitar at the early age of 12 years at the Church of God in Christ in her local community.

Even during her later years, she had her sights set on pursuing higher education, and she even worked as a maid to put herself through Jackson State University. But her plans for higher education were scuppered repeatedly due to personal circumstances (including the death of her mother and later, her husband). Nevertheless, the frustrations did not shake her off, and she later attended Tougaloo College, where she learned voice.

For years, Mama Mosie Burks worked at South Central Bell Telephone Company, connecting calls during the week and playing as a church soloist on Sundays. Despite her growing reputation, Mosie initially declined the opportunity to join the Mississippi Mass Choir but was later persuaded to join the choir by Katrina Williams.

Mama Mosie Burks quickly became one of the most respected voices in gospel music, and her renditions of songs like “This Morning When I Rose,” “They Got the Word,” and “I Love to Praise Him” became gospel standards. Her late-blooming career highlights included a feature in Disney’s documentary film “America’s Heart & Soul,” a performance for the Pope, and the release of her solo album, Mama Burks, which she released at the age of 72.

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Apart from her love for music, Mama Mosie Burks also had a penchant for traveling and spent most of her time traveling with her husband, Willie, whom she married after the death of her first husband. While she found her footing later on in her life, she enjoyed her life to the fullest and continued performing well into her 80s.

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