Mrs Lily May Futrelle

Who was Lily May Futrelle?

Lily May Futrelle, née Peel, was an American first-class passenger and survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on May 26, 1876, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was a prolific author of short stories and novels. Lily May was the wife of Jacques Futrelle, a fellow writer who tragically perished in the sinking.

Early Life and Background

A Georgian Upbringing

Lily May Peel was born to David G. Peel and Molly Thompson in Atlanta, Georgia. Her early years in the southern United States likely influenced her later writing career.

Marriage and Family

Lily May married Jacques Futrelle, Sr., and the couple settled in Scituate, Massachusetts. They had two children:

• Virginia Futrelle (born November 8, 1896)
• Jacques Futrelle, Jr. (born November 20, 1898)

A Literary Career

Mrs. Futrelle established herself as a prolific author, penning numerous short stories and several novels. Her writing career paralleled that of her husband, Jacques, who was known for his detective stories.

The Titanic Journey

Why were the Futrelles in Europe?

The Futrelles had spent several weeks in Europe, where Jacques was writing magazine articles. Their European sojourn was coming to an end as they prepared to return to the United States.

A Fateful Decision

“If my husband had got drunk that night, he might not have sailed, and he might be alive today. But he never did drink much.”

On the night before sailing, the couple attended a party in London celebrating Mr. Futrelle’s birthday. The festivities lasted until 3:00 AM, after which the Futrelles, without sleeping, packed their belongings and headed for Southampton to board the Titanic.

Titanic Voyage Details

The Night of the Disaster

A Harrowing Experience

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Lily May made her way to the boat deck. There, she encountered a group of men with smoke-blackened faces, standing silently.

“They said nothing but their eyes seemed to say, ‘at least you have a chance, we have none.’”

This poignant moment encapsulated the stark reality of the disaster, where many men, including her husband Jacques, would not survive.

Rescue and Survival

Lily May Futrelle was rescued, likely in Lifeboat 9. She was one of the fortunate first-class survivors who made it onto a lifeboat, while her husband Jacques Heath Futrelle tragically perished in the sinking.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Massachusetts

After the disaster, Mrs. Futrelle returned to her home in Scituate, Massachusetts. She faced the challenge of raising her two children alone while coping with the loss of her husband.

A Long Life

Lily May Futrelle lived for many decades after the Titanic disaster. She passed away on October 29, 1967, at the age of 91 (ninety-one). Her long life spanned from the Gilded Age to the Space Age, witnessing tremendous changes in society and technology.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

How did the Futrelle children fare?

Both of Lily May’s children went on to have notable careers:

• Virginia Futrelle Raymond passed away in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in January 1981.
• Jacques Futrelle, Jr. became the night news editor of the Washington Post and died in Herndon, Virginia, in July 1979.

A Lasting Literary Impact

Lily May Futrelle’s survival ensured that her literary works and her firsthand account of the Titanic disaster were preserved for future generations. Her experience as both a writer and a Titanic survivor provides a unique perspective on one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.

Lily May Futrelle’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the enduring fascination with their experiences. Her life, spanning from the Victorian era to the late 1960s, bridges a remarkable period of human history, marked by both tragedy and progress.