Wanda Smith, Legendary Radio Host, Passes Away At 59

Wanda Smith, a longtime radio personality at Atlanta’s esteemed V-103 has passed away at the age of 59, according to a post shared on the V-103 Atlanta Instagram page Oct. 12.

Smith’s voice had a significant impact, as she was a key part of the Frank and Wanda in the Morning Show with Frank Ski for more than a decade. According to WSBTV, the iconic radio host co-hosted the show with Ski from 1998 to 2014. 

Rick Caffey, V-103’s SVP & Market Manager, shared the painful news of Smith’s death on Instagram Sunday. 

“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,” Caffey penned.

“In her role at V-103, dating back to 1997, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care servicing the Atlanta community,” Caffey continued. “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. Rest in peace Wanda, as you take your place amongst the stars. We Will Miss You.” 

After her initial time on the Frank and Wanda in the Morning Show, Smith co-hosted with radio star and motivational speaker Ryan Cameron from 2014 to early 2018. She later reunited with Ski at the same station. Beyond radio, Smith appeared in notable films like Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail, Madea’s Witness Protection, and The Drone That Saved Christmas. She also received writing credits for Def Comedy Jam.

In 2017, Smith underwent surgery to remove an ovarian abscess after experiencing pain while traveling to Mississippi, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted. However, the cause of her death remains unclear.

Friends reacted to Wanda Smith’s untimely death on social media.

Following the news of her passing, many stars took to social media to honor her memory. Singer and reality TV star, Tamar Braxton, shared a photo of the Atlanta radio star to her Instagram page on Sunday with a caption that read, “Rest easy Wanda.” She noted that Smith had just celebrated her birthday a day prior.

Elle Duncan, a former colleague of the radio personality at V-103, penned a heartfelt tribute on X, writing, “Woke up to news of the passing of Wanda Smith. Wanda was exactly the person Atlanta radio fans knew her to be: hilarious, vivacious, and entertaining. But I’ll mostly remember how she loved people back. How she’d pull them in w/ a Wanda hug and show compassion and kindness to strangers pouring their heart out b/c it felt natural to share. She truly embraced the responsibility of being a ‘community mom’ and her role in helping people, thru laughter or financial support.”

Frank Ski also shared his condolences on Instagram, writing, “Wanda Smith. Until we meet again!” In his video, he noted that he had recently lost a few family members, making the news of Smith’s death exceptionally difficult.

Rest in peace, Wanda Smith. 

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