Community celebrates life of ‘Mama’ Burks
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
JA Publisher Emerita
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Greater Fairview M.B. Church, located at 2545 Newport St., in Jackson, MS, paid homage to their beloved member, Mama Mosie Amos Watkins Burks, which underscored her impact on their Christian journey. The wife and mother of three transitioned July 7, 2025, at the age of 92.
Mama Burks was born June 18, 1933, in Harpersville, MS to the late Stella and Otha Amos. She was the third of thirteen children. After graduating from Money High School, she briefly studied vocals at Tougaloo College. Several years later she relocated to Jackson, MS where she “Got a Grip” and never let go!
A memorial service was held July 16th at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in West Jackson, and live-streamed on numerous platforms, which further affirmed the enormous loss being felt by her community and those around the world.
Honoring her legacy in high praise were current and former members of the Mississippi Mass Choir. As its lead soloist, Mama Burks inspired millions with songs such as “This Morning When I Rose,” “They Got the Word,” and “I’m Not Tired Yet.” She traveled extensively with the Mississippi Mass Choir throughout the U.S. and across the waters to Europe, Japan, and Africa, where she met several dignitaries including the Pope.
Mama Burks retired in 2020, last performing during the Mass Choir’s 50th Anniversary.
Prior to joining with Greater Fairview, Mama Burks worshipped at Truelight Baptist Church and Johnson Chapel. At Greater Fairview she served in various capacities including President of the Missionary Society, Sunday School Superintendent, and most notably a member of the Inspirational Choir. She was a phenomenal member of the Amazing S. L. Spann Inspirers; singing alongside Minister of Music Jerry Smith and the late Annabelle Adkins.
“Before there was the Mississippi Mass Choir, there was Mosie Burks and the Greater Fairview Choir. She used her voice as a tool, a t-o-o-l, to lift up the name of Jesus,” said longtime friend and renowned gospel artist Lannie Spann McBride.
“I was blessed to be embraced by Mama Burks. We were all blessed with this great beacon of light – she was too big for a candle – she was a beacon of light that God used to stir so many souls, not just in Mississippi but in this nation and around the world,” said Maggie Wade Dixon, anchor, WLBT-TV3 and youth advocate.
Mama Burks was involved in several music projects, including a solo album entitled “Mama Burks” at the age of 70 and featured in a Disney film, “America’s Heart and Soul.”
Her accolades and recognitions were numerous, such as the GMHOF Foundation Mahalia Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, GMA 34th Annual Dove Awards Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year ‘Hold On,’ and being honored at the 2017 Stellar Awards held in Las Vegas, NV.
