Wanda Smith was the heartbeat of Atlanta. For over two decades, if you lived in the A, you woke up to her voice. She wasn't just a personality on V-103; she was the city’s big sister, the one who’d roast you one minute and pray for you the next. So, when news broke on a Saturday in October 2024 that she was gone, it felt like the air got sucked out of the room. People immediately started asking, how did Wanda Smith passed away, because she had been away from the spotlight for a bit. She was only 58. That’s far too young for a legend who still had so much game left.
Her passing wasn’t some sudden, scandalous event, though the internet always tries to make it one. It was actually much more personal and, frankly, a long road of health battles that she kept mostly private. She was a fighter. But even the toughest fighters have a limit.
The Health Struggles Behind the Scenes
Wanda had been dealing with some heavy health issues for years. You might remember back in 2018, things got really scary when she had to undergo emergency surgery to remove an abscess on her ovary. It wasn't just a routine thing; she actually ended up in the ICU. She almost died then. She talked about it later, saying it was a wake-up call, but it also took a massive toll on her body.
When we look into the specifics of her death, her publicist and longtime friends eventually confirmed that she passed away following a period of declining health. While the family kept the exact medical terminology close to the chest—as they should—it was clear to those in her inner circle that the complications from her previous surgeries and ongoing struggles with her well-being had finally caught up. It’s a harsh reality. Sometimes the body just gets tired of the fight.
She died on October 12, 2024. Just one day after her birthday. Imagine that. Celebrating another year of life on Friday and being gone by Saturday. It’s the kind of timing that makes you sit down and really think about things.
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The V-103 Legacy and the Katt Williams Fallout
You can’t talk about Wanda Smith without talking about "Frank and Wanda in the Morning." That show was an institution. She and Frank Ski had a chemistry that you just can't fake. They ruled the ratings. But then, things got rocky. There was that infamous 2018 interview with Katt Williams. You know the one.
Katt came in, and things went south fast. They started trading barbs, and it got personal. Katt made some jokes about her weight and her hair that went viral for all the wrong reasons. A lot of people think that moment was the beginning of the end for her time at V-103. Not long after, she was let go from the station.
Honestly, it was a mess.
Losing that job was a huge blow. When you’ve been the queen of a city for that long, having it taken away feels like losing an identity. She tried to make a comeback, and she stayed active in the comedy world, but the stress of that transition, combined with her health, was a lot for one person to carry. It's important to remember that mental and emotional stress has a physical manifestation. You can't separate the two.
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Why Atlanta Felt This Loss So Deeply
Atlanta is a city built on relationships. Wanda understood that better than anyone. She didn't just sit in a booth; she was at the grocery stores, the charity events, and the comedy clubs. She founded "Girls Stand Up," a program to help young women find their voices.
When the news hit, the tributes didn't just come from celebrities like Tyler Perry or Bernice King. They came from regular folks. People who remembered her paying for their groceries or giving them advice when they called into the radio station at 7:00 AM.
- She was a comedian first.
- She was a mother and a wife.
- She was a mentor to countless black women in media.
- She was the "First Lady of Atlanta Radio."
The impact she had wasn't just about ratings. It was about presence. When people ask about her passing, they aren't just looking for a medical cause. They're trying to make sense of how such a vibrant, loud, and loving presence could just... stop.
The Reality of Chronic Health Issues in the Community
Wanda’s situation shines a light on something we don't talk about enough: the silent struggle of chronic health issues among Black women in high-stress careers. We often feel like we have to be "Superwoman." We push through the pain, the surgeries, and the exhaustion because the world expects us to keep performing.
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Wanda did exactly that. Even when she was recovering from that 2018 surgery, she was worried about getting back to the mic. She was worried about her fans. But the body keeps the score. Her passing is a reminder that even the strongest among us need to rest, and sometimes, the damage done by years of health complications is irreversible.
What We Can Learn From Wanda’s Journey
Looking back at her life, it’s easy to focus on the end, but that’s a mistake. Wanda Smith was a pioneer. She broke into a male-dominated radio industry and didn't just survive; she dominated. She showed that you could be funny, sharp-tongued, and deeply religious all at the same time.
If you want to honor her, start by taking your health seriously. Don't ignore the "small" things. Wanda’s issues started with an abscess and ended with her leaving us too soon.
Practical Steps for Your Health
- Get regular checkups, even when you feel "fine."
- Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down.
- Prioritize mental health, especially after a major career shift or public trauma.
- Build a support system that allows you to be vulnerable, not just "strong."
Wanda Smith gave everything to Atlanta. In the end, her passing was a result of a body that had simply given all it could. She left behind a husband, LaMorris Sellers, and their children, along with a city that will never quite sound the same without her laugh echoing through the airwaves. She was one of one.
Next Steps for Readers
To truly understand Wanda’s impact, go back and watch her old stand-up clips or listen to the archives of her "Tell Me Something Good" segments. Beyond the headlines of her passing, her real story is in the joy she provided. If you are struggling with chronic health issues or the stress of a high-pressure career, reach out to a healthcare professional today. Don't wait for a crisis to prioritize your well-being. Atlanta lost a queen, but her legacy serves as a vital lesson in the importance of self-care and community connection.