Since news of radio personality Wanda Smith’s recent passing, the radio show she was a part of, as well as a famous singer, have spoken out.
Beloved radio morning show co-host of V-103, Wanda Smith, died a day after her birthday, leaving many fans riddled with sorrow and shock. Taking to Instagram to pen a lengthy dedication to the late star, V-103 shared tearjerking words from the radio station’s Senior Vice President (SVP), and Market Manager Rick Caffey on October 13.
Wanda Smith at the premiere of “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” in Atlanta, Georgia on September 9, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
After confirming the sad news, Caffey expressed, “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. We extend our deepest prayers and condolences to her family.”
Smith’s incredible impact and legacy were also mentioned in the post, as Caffey continued to highlight her infectious, joyful personality, which touched the lives of many in the Atlanta community.
“Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those who were without,” noted Caffey of the late radio host who began her career at V-103 back in 1997.
Wanda Smith | Source: Getty Images
He ended his message by making it known how much Smith will be missed by all her loved ones. Following Caffey’s words, the V-103 account notified the public of their intention to honor the radio icon with a tribute during “Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley” today, October 14.
“Please tune in then call in and share your stories and experiences as we pay homage [sic] one of the best to ever hit the Atlanta airwaves. Rest easy Wanda,” ended the caption which was shared alongside a beautiful photo of Smith smiling.
Similarly, Grammy-nominated artist Tamar Braxton took to her own social media page to share a post about Smith. Braxton included a close-up image of her eyes and captioned, “Rest easy Wanda @wandasmithatl and her bday was yesterday 😪.”
Dedicating yet another tribute to the comedian and radio star, V-103 posted an Instagram reel displaying a compilation of some of Smith’s best moments. From pictures of her meeting media mogul Oprah Winfrey to sharing a conversation with the late and great Andrew Young, V-103 highlighted Smith as a “staple in Atlanta.”
They also included a snippet of Smith divulging details about herself in an interview, in which she boasted, “I am the same all the time. I’m fun, I’m exciting, I’m sweet, I’m precious. I’m that all the time.”
During the same interview, Smith gushed over the fact that she had been chosen by Atlanta Magazine as one of the Happiest People in Atlanta.
Wanda Smith in a past interview, posted on October 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/v103atlanta
Footage of more sentimental moments ensued, which spotlighted Smith’s philanthropic endeavors. “My passion in life is helping people. I love people […] I mean, I’ve done so many things,” disclosed Smith.
She then spotlighted the different initiatives she has done to help people and bring them joy, like going around to multiple daycares in Atlanta to gift children with circus tickets.
Wanda Smith interacting with children, posted on October 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/v103atlanta
Another touching story from Smith’s humanitarian efforts includes the heartfelt moment when she assisted in repairing a father and daughter’s estranged relationship. The dad had been absent in his kid’s life because he was incarcerated when she was a baby and was only released when she was twenty.
Wanda Smith on air with the estranged father and daughter, posted on October 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/v103atlanta
After receiving a call from the young girl’s mom, who asked Smith for help, the radio host gifted the family a vacation to Disney World with money that famous artist Keith Sweat gave to Smith. “It made me feel so good. That’s when I knew it was my passion. That’s when I knew that this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” shared Smith.
Before she passed away, Smith took to her Instagram page to post a photo of her and the late iconic rapper Rich Homie Quan after she learned the young talent had died.
The snap displayed both of them smiling for the camera and had overlaid text, which read, “So glad we go [sic] to laugh and chat ….Got to live this here lifestyle…. wanda [sic] and RICH.”
In the comment section of this post, Smith’s followers expressed their devastation and surprise. “Wanda’s birthday was YESTERDAY! What in the world happened? So shocked to hear of her passing. Hadn’t seen her in awhile [sic] and now we hear this! Man [sic] this is devastating! I remember Wanda was definitely an ATL legend on the radio with Frank Ski and made a name for herself on the comedy scene. Man…” wrote a heartbroken fan.
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Another echoed, “I’m so saddened by Wanda’s passing. Man, life is soooo short. I remember thr [sic] good ole days with frank [sic] and Wanda on v103 [sic]. She was the life of the show and loved her community. Man, this hurts.”
“Look how life is. She was sending her respect and condolences. And now we in [sic] her page sending ours. She didn’t know she would be home some weeks later. God bless her family with strength,” reflected another admirer of Smith, who is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their three kids.
Similarly, someone else chimed in with, “This be so scary, just posing this a month ago and now you gone to🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 [sic].” “This pic hit hard now,” added an observer.
