Agatha Christie was made a Dame for her contribution to English literature.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie , Lady Mallowan , DBE ( née Miller ; 15 September 1890 -- 12 January 1976 ) was an English crime novelist , short story writer and playwright . In 1971 she was made a Dame for her contribution to literature . The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry ; rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences , work with charitable and welfare organisations ,