Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Maria Becker Obituary
Maria was born September 30, 1967, one of three daughters born to J. Anthony and Marion Elizabeth Becker. She grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her two greatest loves in her life were politics and her daughter, Emma Claire.
Maria started her career in politics as a public information clerk in the Louisiana Senate. Maria displayed her passion for public policy and government by working in the campaigns of candidates for public office, including that of her friend Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck.
Maria most recently worked for Capitol Resources as a lobbyist. One of her greatest moments was when the Mississippi Legislature honored her last year for her spirit and contributions to the legislative process and to the State of Mississippi. A ceremony was held where the Senate presented a resolution to Maria that included the remarks, "Maria's uncanny ability to track down any bill, talk to any person, research any topic, and keep her finger on the pulse of Mississippi politics rivals that of any veteran legislator, journalist or Mississippi politician."
Maria was a dedicated volunteer for the Special Olympics of Mississippi. She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed going to Mass at churches including St. Peter's, St. Richard's and the chapel of St. Dominic's.
Of course nothing in Maria's life compared to the joy of being Emma Claire's mother. For three and a half years, Maria embraced every cherished moment with her daughter. Maria fought hard to remain on this earth with her daughter as long as she could. Emma Claire was her everything.
Maria joins her sister Marion Elizabeth "Yogi" Bihm in heaven. In addition to her daughter and her parents, Maria is survived by her sister, Mollie Pontius, brother-in-law, Dr. William Pontius, her extended family, Regina Bossier, Drew Matthew Bossier, Rebecca Bihm, Seth Lester, and Craig Ray, Emma Claire's father.
Despite her illness, Maria never wavered from her amazing spirit of optimism and peace. She often said to her friends, "Thank God for the challenges and the opportunities and the blessings and the burdens."
All those who loved Maria are invited to a visitation to be held at St. Richard's Catholic Church, 1242 Lynwood Dr, Jackson, MS. 39206 from 4 PM-6PM Tuesday, February 9, 2010 with the Funeral Mass to celebrate her life at 6 PM. A Private burial will follow. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, should be directed to the Emma Claire Becker Trust Fund, c/o Miss. State Senate, P. O. Box 1018, The New Capitol, Jackson, MS. 39215.
Holland Funeral Directors, Tupelo (662 840 5000) is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Becker
Leslie Hebert
March 8, 2010
Maria and I spent many happy times together in high school at ASH. I fondly remember her lovely parents and keep them and all of her family in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply saddened by her death. I will always remember her generous heart, her beautiful smile and her curls. My sincerest sympathy to her family.
April Vancor
February 16, 2010
I only recently met Maria through our daughter's school activities. Emma Claire was the first friend my daughter, Ava, met at her new school. They ended up in the same class and became good friends. I remember Maria hosting one of the school parties along with me and she made the cutest turkey cupcakes. It was obvious how much she adored her daughter. I pray for Emma Claire and the family. I know she will be missed by so many.
Sonia Irwin
February 12, 2010
Emma Claire & Family
Maria was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by all who knew her. May God be with you always.
Sonia Brewer Irwin
Mississippi State Senate, Staff
Kathleen Watson-Hodges
February 11, 2010
I knew Maria and Millsaps and am saddened by the loss of such a vivacious and giving soul. My thoughts are with her daughter and her family.
Robert Morrow
February 11, 2010
So sorry to hear of the loss. I always enjoyed spending time with Maria. Such a great spirit. She will be missed.
Dawn Premeaux-Lancon
February 10, 2010
Mrs. Molly, Regina, and family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well as Maria's daughter. She has left a special gift for all of you to share her beloved Emma Claire, so you will continue to always have a part of her with you. You know Maria is watching over each of you and will continue to do so, I did not know her but she sounds as if she was an angel from heaven.
Becky Winchell
February 10, 2010
Maria was a special classmate of mine at Sacred Heart. We shared many laughs together and she will be missed by many, but mostly her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Emma Claire and her family.
Kim Knox
February 10, 2010
My daughter, Rachel, worked with Maria at the State Senate. Later, Maria came to Brunini, and she and I worked together there. She was a wonderful, bright and happy lady. My heart broke for her when their home was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, and I was very happy to meet her wonderful parents when we helped with the clean-up. I shared her joy during her pregnancy, but had moved from Jackson before Emma Claire was born. It is my heart-felt wish that Emma Claire will live with the knowledge that her mom was a very special lady, and that there are many people in this world who are happier for having known Maria. Mr. & Mrs. Becker, Emma Claire and the rest of the family and friends are in my prayers.
Rachel Bourgeois
February 9, 2010
I remember Maria from the Academy of the Sacred Heart. She always uplifted everyone and tried to befriend all. I still own a hand-painted can she made for me & filled with goodies one Christmas. It was a lovely surprise, and I have kept the can all these years, still bearing her beautiful painted words. Rest in peace, Maria.
Hillman Frazier
February 9, 2010
Maria was a ray of sunshine; a cool and gentle breeze and a very special lady. She will be missed by those who knew her. Her family members are in my prayers.
Karen R. Olivier
February 9, 2010
It is with deep sadness that I acknowledge the life and death of Maria. The years she spent with us in Arnaudville and at Sacred Heart with my daughter, Marie, will always be cherished by everyone who knew and loved her. We can not make the services but please know that she and her family are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless all of you. Karen Olivier and family.
Penni Benton Kenney
February 9, 2010
I went to school with Maria a long time ago at Academy of the Sacred Heart in Louisiana. The first thought that came to my mind when I read this announcement of her death was the radiant and cheerful smile always on her face. She was always happy and fun to be around.
Marie Olivier Lukaszeski
February 8, 2010
Maria, Emma Claire and the entire Becker family are in my heart and prayers. I have found strength from the "update emails" from Maria over the past several months...deepest sympathy...
staci morgan
February 8, 2010
I was very sad to hear this news...I worked with sweet Maria on the Amy Tuck campaign...we were front office buddies...she was so sweet, and so wonderful to me during my first job! Bless her family. ~Staci Morgan, Washington, DC (Weir, MS)
Kay Clark
February 8, 2010
Emma Claire and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil Hardwick
February 8, 2010
I will miss seeing Maria at the Stennis-Capitol Press Luncheons. She brought a smile that was shared with everyone. My prayers are with her friends and family.
Charles Bryan
February 8, 2010
I worked with Maria for several years as a fellow Special Olympics Countdown Committee volunteer. She was a wonderful person with a contagious spirit that kept everyone motiviated to continue working toward helping others. She truly loved her sweet daughter.
February 8, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathleen Terry-Sharp
February 8, 2010
Maria, Emma Claire and their family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Gibson
February 8, 2010
I an so sorry for your loss. I knew Maria as a client and friend, She was a special person.
Torie Graham
February 8, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Maria Becker's name
Memorial Events
for Maria Becker
How to support Maria's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Maria Becker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
