Overview

• The Mississippi Mass Choir confirmed her death on July 7 and praised her "powerful voice, unshakable faith and joyful spirit" in a social media tribute.
• Funeral arrangements are still being finalized as the choir and her family plan services to commemorate her life and contributions.
• Burks joined the choir at its founding in 1988 and led its first six albums to No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel chart while touring South Africa, Japan, Europe and performing for Pope John Paul II.
• She was the featured vocalist on beloved tracks such as “They Got the Word,” “I’m Not Tired Yet” and “This Morning When I Rose,” which became gospel staples.
• Born to migrant‐worker parents in Forest, Mississippi, she overcame early hardship raising her siblings and working in domestic service and telecommunications before finding her calling in gospel music.