Was Wanda Smith Sick? The Untold Story Behind the Atlanta Radio Legend’s Passing

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Written By Kanisha Laing

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Wanda Smith, a cherished voice of Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, tragically passed away at the age of 58, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken. Her sudden death came just one day after celebrating her birthday, and since then, questions have surfaced regarding her health. Was Wanda Smith sick? Let’s explore her legacy, the events surrounding her death, and the many tributes paid to this iconic radio personality.

A Life Dedicated to Radio and Comedy

Wanda Smith was more than just a radio host; she was a beloved figure in Atlanta’s entertainment industry. Starting her career at V-103 in 1998, she became a staple in the community as the co-host of Frank and Wanda in the Morning alongside Frank Ski. For two decades, Smith entertained listeners with her quick wit, comedic genius, and compassionate spirit.

Her passion for making people laugh went beyond the radio. Wanda was also a comedian, with credits in major productions like Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail and Madea’s Witness Protection. She also had a long-standing presence in the stand-up comedy scene, having written for shows like Def Comedy Jam and Comicview. Yet, despite her high-energy and vibrant persona, many are wondering if Wanda Smith had been silently battling health issues.

The Suddenness of Her Passing

Wanda Smith passed away unexpectedly on a Saturday, just one day after celebrating her 58th birthday. Her colleague, Rick Caffey, senior VP of V-103, was the first to share the tragic news. In an emotional Instagram post, he paid tribute to Wanda, expressing the deep sense of loss felt by the V-103 family and the larger Atlanta community.

“Wanda brought so much joy and care in servicing the Atlanta community,” Rick said. “Our hearts are weighing heavier today as we grieve the loss of our beloved Wanda Smith, someone who always made us smile and who was a big part of V-103 for years.”

As of now, the cause of Wanda Smith’s death remains undisclosed, sparking speculation about whether she had been suffering from an illness. No official reports have confirmed if Wanda Smith was sick or dealing with a chronic health condition before her untimely death. This uncertainty has led fans and followers to wonder what really happened to the radio icon.

A Legacy of Laughter and Compassion

While her cause of death remains a mystery, what is clear is the tremendous impact Wanda Smith had on those around her. Tributes from friends, fans, and fellow entertainers have poured in, all highlighting the laughter, joy, and compassion she brought into their lives.

Actress and comedian Loni Love shared her sadness on social media, saying, “I am sad to hear about the passing of comedian and radio host Wanda Smith. She was a staple in the Atlanta area, and we came up in comedy together. She was the ultimate entertainer. Rest now Sis. Condolences to The Smith Family.”

Sports anchor Ella Duncan echoed these sentiments, remembering Wanda not only for her humor but also for her warmth and kindness. “Wanda was exactly the person Atlanta radio fans knew her to be: hilarious, vivacious, and entertaining,” Ella said. “But I’ll mostly remember how she loved people back. How she’d pull them in with a Wanda hug and show compassion and kindness to strangers pouring their heart out.”

Wanda’s reach extended far beyond her role on the radio. She was affectionately known as the “community mom,” always ready to lend a helping hand, offer financial support, or simply make someone’s day a little brighter. Her colleagues and fans alike remember her for her larger-than-life personality and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

The Katt Williams Incident and Her Exit from V-103

Wanda Smith’s career wasn’t without controversy. In 2018, she was involved in a public feud with comedian Katt Williams during an interview on Frank and Wanda in the Morning. Williams criticized Wanda’s interview style, sparking a bitter exchange that escalated outside the Atlanta Comedy Theater. Smith’s husband, LaMorris Sellers, allegedly confronted Williams with a gun, though no charges were filed.

The incident led to Wanda’s exit from the show in 2019. Despite this turbulent chapter, her legacy in Atlanta radio remains strong. Fans and colleagues alike have made it clear that Wanda was far more than the sum of her controversies—she was a true entertainer and a compassionate soul who deeply cared for her community.

Was Wanda Smith Sick Before Her Death?

While there is currently no official confirmation regarding Wanda Smith’s health, the suddenness of her passing has led many to speculate whether she had been dealing with an undisclosed illness. Neither her family nor her colleagues have provided any details regarding her health, and as of now, her cause of death remains a mystery.

What can be said with certainty is that Wanda’s life was one of dedication—to her craft, to her listeners, and to the community she loved. Whether she was sick or not, her passing has left a void that will be hard to fill.

Tributes to a Legend

As news of Wanda Smith’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Fans took to social media to express their grief and share memories of how Wanda had touched their lives. One fan tweeted, “RIP to Wanda Smith. Icon in the Atlanta Radio and entertainment industry.”

Another fan echoed the sentiments of many when they said, “I’m really sad about Wanda Smith. She was a legend in Atlanta radio. She is way more than that Katt moment, as you can see by how folks are devastated.”

In recognition of her impact, V-103 announced that they would be honoring Wanda Smith on their Sunday morning show. “During Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley, we will be taking time out to pay tribute to this V-103 icon,” the station said in a statement.

Conclusion

Wanda Smith’s passing marks the end of an era for Atlanta radio and comedy. While questions remain about her health and cause of death, one thing is clear: Wanda Smith was a beloved figure who left an indelible mark on her community. Her laughter, her kindness, and her legacy of service will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Wanda Smith sick before her death?
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding Wanda Smith’s health or whether she had been dealing with an illness prior to her death. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

What was Wanda Smith known for?
Wanda Smith was a well-known radio personality and comedian in Atlanta. She co-hosted Frank and Wanda in the Morning on V-103 for two decades and also had a career in stand-up comedy and acting.

When did Wanda Smith pass away?
Wanda Smith passed away on a Saturday, the day after celebrating her 58th birthday. The exact date of her death has not been specified.

What led to Wanda Smith’s exit from V-103?
Wanda left V-103 in 2019 after a public feud with comedian Katt Williams in 2018. The fallout from the incident eventually led to her departure from the morning show.

How are people remembering Wanda Smith?
Fans, friends, and colleagues are remembering Wanda for her humor, compassion, and dedication to the Atlanta community. Many tributes have highlighted her role as a “community mom” and the joy she brought to others through her work.

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