The gospel community was left in shock after the passing of Mama Mosie Burks, the legendary voice of the Mississippi Mass Choir. Known for her powerful performances and unwavering faith, Mama Mosie’s legacy was celebrated far and wide.

However, what she left behind surprised everyone—not just her music and ministry, but a hidden fortune that she gave entirely to charity.

Mama Mosie, born in the deep South, rose to fame with no formal music training, becoming a cornerstone of gospel music. Her voice resonated with raw emotion, bringing life to every hymn she sang.

Despite her fame, she lived modestly, quietly accumulating a multi-million-dollar fortune through investments, royalties, and land holdings. Yet, she chose to donate it all to faith-based outreach programs, youth shelters, and gospel initiatives across the South.

Her decision shocked her family and the gospel world. A leaked portion of her will revealed that Mama Mosie intentionally excluded several family members, including a niece and nephew, citing betrayal and disappointment in her final days. According to close friends, she felt that some family members treated her like a bank rather than as family. This heartbreak prompted her to rewrite her will, leaving everything to charity.

Tamela Mann, a close friend and gospel artist, stepped forward to explain Mama Mosie’s decision. In an emotional video, Tamela revealed that Mosie wanted to avoid family disputes over her wealth and instead dedicate her fortune to uplifting the next generation.

Mosie had expressed her frustration with the state of gospel music and the struggles of young artists. She hoped her donations would fund scholarships, restore historic churches, and establish music programs for underserved communities.

Before passing, Mama Mosie quietly funded the Lift Every Voice Legacy Initiative, a nonprofit aimed at restoring churches, creating music programs, and supporting young gospel musicians.

Her contributions included $1.7 million for scholarships and church restorations, ensuring her legacy would continue to inspire future generations. She kept the project secret, refusing press coverage and insisting it be announced only after her funeral.

However, her decision sparked outrage among some family members, who filed a legal challenge against her will, claiming Mosie was coerced or not of sound mind. Despite the airtight legality of her testament, the dispute has temporarily frozen her donations, delaying the scholarships and church projects she funded.

Tamela Mann defended Mosie’s decision, emphasizing that it was made with prayer, clarity, and intention. She called on the gospel community to honor Mosie’s legacy by continuing her mission. Fans and artists have since rallied online under the hashtag #HonorMosie, raising funds and hosting tribute concerts to carry forward her vision.

Mama Mosie’s story is a powerful reminder of her unwavering faith and generosity. She didn’t leave behind material wealth for her family—she left a living testimony of service and hope. Her final act challenges us to think beyond personal gain and embrace a legacy rooted in purpose. Mama Mosie gave us the song; now it’s up to us to carry the chorus forward.