Wilma Davidson Fishman, 80, of Biloxi, MS passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 with her children at her bedside.
She was born to Shep and Rebecca L. Davidson Schwartz of New Orleans on November 14, 1937, and was a long time resident of Biloxi.
In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lenard S. Fishman and her sister, Esther A. Fortinberry.
She is survived by her son, Mark (Phyllis) Fishman of Plano, TX; her daughter, Cheryl Fishman of Gulfport, MS; twin grandsons, Michael E. Fishman of Austin, TX, and Robert S. Fishman of Dallas, TX; nieces, Marla Bowles of Wellington, FL, Shayna Este and Dawn Cochran of Metairie, LA; nephews, Marshall Karliner of Bay St. Louis, MS and Ellis Fortinberry of Chalmette, LA, and many other nieces and nephews.
She was a 1955 graduate of Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans. Her first job was with Maison Blanche Department Store in New Orleans, followed by civilian employment with the U. S. Coast Guard. She worked as a special orders clerk at Keesler Air Force Base from 1959-1988. After retirement from civil service, she was an inaugural member of the Grand Advantage Players Club staff for the Biloxi Grand Casino when it first opened in 1994. She remained with the Biloxi Grand Casino until it was forced to close due to Hurricane Katrina.
Wilma loved to visit various sightseeing spots by traveling on regional bus trips with her family. While not traveling, Wilma loved to crochet and cross stitch, but most of all enjoyed playing Video Poker and Quick Hits at the Treasure Bay Casino. She considered many members of the Treasure Bay staff as her second family.
She belonged to Congregation Beth Israel. She was passionate about dancing, including being a charter member of the Swinging Starlets for 25 years, as well as, being a member of a folk dancing group. She also was a longtime supporter of the Biloxi Lions Club along with Len and volunteered for 19 years with the Sunshine Guild at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi where she started her love of and large collection of smiley faces.
The family gives special thanks for their compassionate care given to Wilma by Ms. T, the doctors, nurses and staff of the Medical Oncology Group at the Cedar Lake Clinic. Additionally, special thanks to Joni, Christine, Amy and Madelyn from Kare-In-Home Health Services. The family would also like to give special thanks to numerous employees of the Treasure Bay Casino for making her visits more enjoyable.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Congregation Beth Israel, 12277 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503; Biloxi Lions Club, PO Box 196. Biloxi, MS 39533; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Graveside services will be on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.
The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.