ahalia?s life long dream was to become a preacher in her own temple. When she arrived on the South Side of Chicago, she immediately idolized Elder Lucy Smith. Although Smith could not read or write, she had an incredible gift of persuasion. Mahalia loved Smith?s dynamic presumptions and the public work she did for the poorer communities. As Mahalia aged, she overcame her shyness and nothing held her back from approaching people, both black and white for whatever she wanted. Although Mahalia saw success during her lifetime and much fame and fortune came her way, but she never saw all of the fruit of her hard work. Mahalia had temple plans of her own and she would not be settled until they were complete. She made a donation to have her plans become a reality and that?s just what happened. She wanted to create a monument to her brothers and sisters who had come both before her and would proceed her. They, like herself had journeyed to the Promised Land. (5) On January 27, 1972, Mahalia Jackson died of a heart seizure at the age of sixty. She had worked too hard and had burned her heart out. Her death marked the eclipse of the gospel?s golden age. Mahalia?s works possessed a magical elixir that most of her competitors had been denied. Funeral services were held at the Arie Crown Theater. The coffin was then transported back to her home in New Orleans. Following the traditional funeral services, the procession reformed at the ...
