Jackson: Mama Mosie Burks, the revered gospel vocalist and longtime lead singer of the Mississippi Mass Choir, has died at the age of 92, the choir announced.
Known for her thunderous voice and unwavering devotion to her faith, Burks rose to international prominence as one of the driving vocal forces behind the Mississippi Mass Choir, a group that helped shape the modern gospel sound. News of her passing was shared by the choir in a Facebook post, which praised her “powerful voice, unshakable faith and joyful spirit.”
“She helped define the sound and soul of the Mississippi Mass Choir,” the post read. “Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
No cause of death was immediately disclosed. Funeral arrangements are currently underway, according to the choir.
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Burks’ Voice Defined a Gospel Generation
Burks was widely recognized for her contributions to several of the choir’s most iconic recordings, including “They Got the Word,” “I’m Not Tired Yet,” and “This Morning When I Rose.” Her dynamic performances, marked by an emotional range and spiritual intensity, drew millions of listeners and helped cement the choir’s reputation as one of the most influential gospel groups of all time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, friends and family honored her with a surprise birthday parade outside her nursing home in celebration of her 87th birthday—an event that circulated widely on social media and highlighted the deep affection she held in her community.
Fans and Faith Community Pay Tribute
Tributes poured in across social media over the weekend, with fans remembering her as a spiritual force whose voice brought comfort and conviction. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “If you didn’t know Jesus after she finished singing, something was wrong with you. RIH to one of the greatest gospel pioneers, Mosie Burks.”
Another shared, “Mother Mosie Burks was the staple for the Mississippi Mass Choir. Her legacy will forever live on. May she rest in power.”
– RIP MAMA MOSIE BURKS! pic.twitter.com/kOV0kNjCal
— Rob Milton (@therobmilton) July 7, 2025
Rest in Power Mama Mosie Burks. 🫶🏼🥺 I’m not tired yet! 🕊️ ✊🏼 pic.twitter.com/fOi91AHr0Z
— The IZA 🥀🖤 (@TheIZA_420) July 7, 2025
The great Mosie Burks done made it to that great coronation. Sleep WELL Mama!
Well DONE!🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/4jrgbqiyko
— Kemani🇳🇬 (@Kemani_0718) July 7, 2025
“When I Rose This Morning” lead singer Mama Mosie Burks — a lead vocalist of the Mississippi Mass Choir — has died her family says. She was 92. pic.twitter.com/h3WftfvBji
— Kalan Hooks (@KalanHookstv) July 7, 2025
A Legacy That Will Resonate for Generations
While the gospel community mourns her passing, many also see her death as a spiritual transition. As noted in a statement circulating among choir fans, “She sang about having a standing invitation—and early Monday morning, packed and ready, God called and she boarded her Heavenly flight.”
No further information has been provided regarding memorial services.
