The City of Atlanta mourns the loss of a beloved voice as Wanda Smith, the prominent radio host and comedian known for her longtime tenure on V-103's "Frank and Wanda in the Morning" show, passed away at the age of 59. Her passing was confirmed by V-103, with Senior Vice President Rick Caffey initiating an outpouring of sentiment with an Instagram post.
Caffey stated, "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." According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the station is currently extending "our deepest prayers and condolences to her family." Tragically, Smith's death occurred just one day following her birthday celebrations, marking a somber juxtaposition for those she left behind.
Smith's career with V-103 began in 1997 and was briefly interrupted in 2013, after which she returned to co-host the show with Ryan Cameron. Beyond her radio persona, she had earned a reputation on the comedy circuit, writing for shows like "Def Comedy Jam" and performing at the Atlanta Comedy Theater. Her contribution to entertainment also included roles in Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" and "Madea's Witness Protection," as mentioned by Black Enterprise.
Her influence extended beyond the airwaves, with Caffey noting, "Wanda’s impact touched lives beyond making us laugh… Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those who were without," as per Black Enterprise. The loss of Smith resonates throughout the Atlanta community, punctuated by a statement from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who regarded her as "a staple with the passing of Wanda Smith—not only in our city’s media, but our culture." He reflected on her role in the community, affirming that Smith's "common sense way of speaking to her listeners" and ability to tell us "it was okay to laugh in good times and bad" cemented her voice as one for many Atlantans, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Wanda Smith is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their three children. The cause of her death has not been disclosed at this time, leaving a void that will be felt by many who treasured her enduring spirit and celebrated contributions to the fabric of Atlanta’s cultural scene.
