Miss Marion Louise Becker

Who was Marion Louise Becker?

Marion Louise Becker was a young American survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born on December 28, 1907, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, she was just 4 (four) years old when she boarded the ill-fated ship with her family. Marion’s story is one of survival, resilience, and a life marked by both adventure and tragedy.

Early Life and Missionary Background

A Childhood in India

Marion Louise Becker was born to Allen Oliver Becker (1872-1956) and Nellie Elizabeth Baumgardner (1876-1961). Her father, originally from Michigan, was a Lutheran pastor who worked as a missionary in India. Marion’s early years were spent in the vibrant culture of Guntur, where her family served the local community.

Siblings and Family Life

Marion was one of four children in the Becker family:

Ruth Elizabeth (1899-1990)
Luther Allen (1905-1907)
Marion Louise (1907-1944)
Richard Fulton (1910-1975)

Tragically, Marion’s older brother Luther passed away at a young age, leaving her with an older sister and a younger brother.

The Journey That Led to Titanic

Why Did the Beckers Leave India?

In early 1912, Marion’s younger brother Richard fell ill. Upon medical advice, the family decided to return to the United States, believing it would offer better chances for Richard’s recovery. This decision set in motion the events that would lead them to board the Titanic.

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

The Becker family, minus their father who remained in India, began their journey home. They boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as second-class passengers. Their ticket, number 230136, cost £39, a significant sum at the time.

The Night of the Disaster

How Did Marion Survive the Titanic Sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Mrs. Becker gathered her three children and made their way to the upper decks. After waiting in a public room, they braved the cold on either the A-deck promenade or the boat deck.

In the chaos of evacuation, a crewman bundled Marion and her brother into Lifeboat 11. Their mother followed, ensuring her young children’s safety. Marion’s sister Ruth Elizabeth Becker escaped in the following lifeboat, number 13.

Life After the Titanic

Reuniting and Relocating

Marion and her family survived the sinking and eventually made it to America. In 1913, her father joined them, reuniting the family after their harrowing ordeal. By 1920, the Beckers had settled in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio.

Health Struggles and Later Life

“Marion’s life after the Titanic was marked by both personal challenges and societal changes.”

1930: Marion was a patient at a tuberculosis hospital in Springfield, Ohio.
1940: Census records show Marion living in Denver, Colorado, with Alta Johnson, listed as her “Partner.”
1944: Marion passed away on February 15 in Glendale, Los Angeles, California, after a long battle with tuberculosis.

A Life Cut Short

Marion Louise Becker died at the young age of 36 (thirty-six), never having married. She was buried in a family plot in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton, Illinois. Sadly, her mother refused to attend her funeral, hinting at possible familial tensions.

Marion’s Legacy and Unanswered Questions

What Impact Did the Titanic Have on Marion’s Life?

While we can’t know for certain, surviving such a traumatic event at a young age likely had a profound impact on Marion’s life. Her early experiences as a missionary’s daughter in India, followed by the Titanic disaster, shaped a unique life story.

The Mystery of Marion’s Relationship

The 1940 census raises questions about Marion’s personal life. Living with Alta Johnson, with Marion listed as “Partner,” suggests a close relationship. Whether this was romantic or platonic remains unknown, but it may have contributed to tensions with her family.

Remembering Marion Louise Becker

Marion Louise Becker’s life, though short, was filled with extraordinary events. From her birth in India to her survival of the Titanic disaster and her later struggles with health, Marion’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As one of the youngest survivors of the Titanic, her tale continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the long-lasting impact of that fateful night in April 1912.