Selma Ring Filker, 97 of Atlanta, passed July 17, 2023 at Saint Joseph Hospital, Atlanta Georgia. Born Selma Esther Ring to immigrant parents from Lithuania and Belarus, Louis and Esther Muchnik Ring, Selma spent her childhood years in Union City, New Jersey later winning a full scholarship to New York University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Selma spent her working career teaching math and science in the Howard County and Baltimore City school systems in Maryland, and the Dekalb County school system in Georgia. In the process she earned a master’s degree in education at Georgia State University.
An avid reader of the New York Times, Selma Filker left her mark as a political activist and proponent of women’s rights advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and political candidates of her choice. This included service as President of the Democratic Women of Dekalb County.
Selma Filker was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, David Filker and is survived by her daughters, Dr. Rochelle Filker Andreotti, Dr. Phyllis J. Filker; son, Geoffrey Filker; grandchildren, Dr. Charissa Filker Andreotti, Dr. Erin Cavin Muckey, David Muckey, Brittany Filker Webb, Ryan Filker, Bonnie Filker; great grandchildren, Caleb Filker Webb, Oren Filker Webb, Aiden Cavin Muckey, and Mia Rose Filker. She will be sorely missed not only by family but also a large, adopted family of friends that she cultivated over her years in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood. A celebration of life will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter Hotel at Villa Christina, Atlanta Georgia on Saturday, July 22 from 11 am-2 pm. Graveside services will be held at noon on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Arlington Memorial Park.
