Marilei de Souza Lima, widely recognised as Mara Lima, is a prominent Brazilian gospel singer, businesswoman, and influential politician currently serving as a State Deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Paraná.
Renowned for her powerful vocal contributions to contemporary Christian music since the late 1980s, she successfully parlayed her national artistic fame into a highly resilient and impactful career in public office.
Over four consecutive terms in the state legislature, she has established herself as a formidable voice for conservative family structures, women’s defence initiatives, and evangelical community interests across southern Brazil.
| Mara Lima | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Marilei de Souza Lima |
| Stage Name: | Mara Lima |
| Born: | January 7, 1961 (age 65 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil |
| Nationality: | Brazilian |
| Height: | 1.68m |
| Parents: | Constantino Lima dos Santos, Tereza Nonato dos Santos |
| Siblings: | Sirlei Lima, Hamilton Lima |
| Spouse: | Gessé de Souza Lima (m. 1982) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Dayane de Souza Lima, Vanessa de Souza Lima |
| Occupation: | State Deputy, Gospel Singer, Businesswoman |
| Net Worth: | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Mara Lima was born on January 7, 1961, in the southwestern municipality of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, to her parents, military officer Constantino Lima dos Santos and schoolteacher Tereza Nonato dos Santos.
She spent her childhood moving through different communities in the region alongside her siblings, Sirlei and Hamilton, developing a natural talent for singing during local community gatherings.
She completed her primary and secondary education in Paraná before pursuing theological studies as a young adult, ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Of Brazilian ethnicity, she is deeply devoted to her Protestant faith as a member of the Assemblies of God.
Career
Mara Lima began her dual trajectory in the creative arts in her early adulthood, rising out of regional obscurity after accepting an invitation to perform in structured church choirs.
She spent her initial formative years navigating major financial obstacles until successfully self-producing her definitive breakthrough debut album, Além da Morte, a record that instantly captured nationwide attention and established her as a premier force in Brazilian gospel.
Capitalising on this explosive momentum, she entered the corporate landscape by founding her independent record label, Louvor Eterno, transforming herself into a powerful music executive responsible for launching multiple national talents.
Her massive artistic footprint across decades yielded a rich catalogue of platinum worship anthems, providing the ideal grassroots springboard for a major transition into civic leadership.
Mara Lima rapidly elevated her public standing to absolute political prominence in 2008 by getting elected as a municipal councilwoman in Curitiba, notably securing the highest vote count for any female candidate in the capital city’s history.
Her immense regional influence expanded exponentially when she transitioned to state-level governance, securing four consecutive terms as a State Deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Paraná, serving prominently under the Republicanos banner.
Within the legislature, she assumed critical leadership roles, most notably presiding over the Commission for the Defence of Women’s Rights and anchoring the influential Evangelical Caucus. Her lasting legacy is that of a trailblazing structural pioneer who successfully interlaced the emotional reach of Christian media with decisive, long-term legislative authority in southern Brazil.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @deputadamaralima
- Facebook Handle: @deputadamaralima
- Twitter Handle: @MaraLimaDeputada
Personal Life
Mara Lima was born on January 7, 1961, and is 65 years old.
Her domestic narrative has been beautifully anchored by a long-lasting, deeply supportive marriage to her longtime partner Gessé de Souza Lima, a foundational relationship established in 1982 that directly accompanied her rise through both the music industry and public office.
Together from their primary residence in Paraná, the couple has raised two daughters, Dayane de Souza Lima and Vanessa de Souza Lima, both of whom have occasionally assisted within their mother’s corporate label operations over the years.
Discography
- 1988: Além da Morte
- 1990: Valor de Uma Alma
- 1991: Preço de Um Resgate
- 1993: Coração Ferido
- 1995: Lágrimas de Um Remido
- 1997: Bênção de Deus
- 1999: Sonho de Menina
- 2001: Vaso de Alabastro
- 2003: Unção Divina
- 2006: Abençoado
- 2011: Vou Tocara no Manto
- 2016: Minha História
- 2021: Fiel Senhor
Net Worth
Mara Lima controls a comfortable fortune valued at an estimated $2 million, securing a highly stable financial standing built across decades of concurrent success in the entertainment, corporate, and political sectors.
Her primary sources of income stem directly from her consistent official state salary as an active member of the Legislative Assembly of Paraná, combined with steady corporate earnings as the owner of the Louvor Eterno publishing brand.