When the news broke on October 12, 2024, that Wanda Smith had passed away, Atlanta felt a literal shift in its atmosphere. If you’ve ever sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-85, her laugh was probably the only thing keeping you from losing your mind. She wasn’t just a voice on V-103; she was the city’s unofficial big sister. But then she was gone, just one day after her birthday.
Naturally, the first thing everyone started asking was: wanda smith how did she pass? People wanted answers because Wanda felt like family. When someone that vibrant disappears, it leaves a hole that logic tries to fill. While the details weren't splashed across every tabloid immediately, the reality of her final days is a mix of private health battles and a legacy that refused to be dimmed by illness.
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The Truth About How Wanda Smith Passed
Honesty is key here. As of early 2026, Wanda Smith’s family has never released a specific, clinical cause of death. They haven't put out a document saying "it was this exact organ" or "this specific disease." Instead, they’ve kept it close to the vest, describing her passing as the result of a "long illness." It’s a phrase we hear often with public figures who value their privacy.
Frank Ski, her long-time partner in crime on the airwaves, actually shed some light on this during her homegoing service. He mentioned that Wanda was a very private person when it came to her struggles. She didn't want the public to see her weak or "sick." She wanted you to remember the jokes, the "Helga" character, and the way she’d check you if you were out of line.
A History of Health Hurdles
While we don't have a singular "smoking gun" for her passing, Wanda had been through the ringer physically over the last decade.
- The 2015 Hospitalization: Back in May 2015, she missed significant time on air due to a severe colon infection. Doctors eventually diagnosed her with diverticulitis. It’s painful—pouches in the colon get inflamed—and she ended up at Emory Healthcare for a week.
- The 2017 Surgery: Two years later, she had to undergo emergency surgery to remove an abscess on one of her ovaries. She was actually driving to Mississippi when the pain became too much to ignore.
These weren't just "sick days." They were serious medical events that showed her body was under a lot of stress. When friends say she fought a "long illness" leading up to October 2024, it’s likely these chronic issues played a role in her overall decline.
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More Than Just a Radio Host
To understand why her death hit so hard, you have to look at what she did when the microphones were off. Honestly, the radio stuff was just the tip of the iceberg.
She started Girls Stand Together, Inc., an organization aimed at empowering young women. She wasn't just a donor; she was there. She was doing the work. You’ve probably seen her in Tyler Perry movies like Madea Goes to Jail, too. She had this way of commanding the screen just as much as the airwaves.
There was also a lot of talk—some of it pretty raw—about her final years in the industry. After the infamous 2018 on-air clash with Katt Williams, things got weird. She was let go from V-103 shortly after. Some of her peers, like "Magic Man," even went as far as to say she died of a "broken heart," feeling like the industry she gave 20 years to turned its back on her when things got "viral" and messy.
Whether you believe that or not, it’s clear that the stress of her exit from radio weighed heavily on her.
The Homegoing in Austell
Her funeral at Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell was basically a "who's who" of Atlanta. Mayor Andre Dickens was there. Rickey Smiley was there.
It wasn't a somber, quiet affair. It was loud. It was a celebration. They even announced she’d be inducted into the Black Radio Hall of Fame. It’s bittersweet, though—getting your flowers when you’re no longer here to smell them.
What We Can Learn From Wanda’s Journey
If there’s any "actionable insight" to take from Wanda Smith’s passing, it’s about the importance of preventative health and mental well-being.
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- Listen to your body: Wanda’s 2015 and 2017 scares were warnings. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or digestive issues like diverticulitis, don’t "tough it out." High-fiber diets and regular checkups aren't just suggestions; they’re life-savers.
- Privacy is okay: In an era where everyone Tiktoks their hospital stays, Wanda chose to keep her battle private. There is dignity in that.
- Legacy is built daily: People didn't show up to her funeral because she was famous. They showed up because she once paid someone’s rent or gave a struggling co-worker a place to stay.
Wanda Smith was 59 when she died. That’s far too young. While we may never have a specific medical term to point to, we know that she lived a life that was loud, proud, and unapologetically Atlanta.
If you want to honor her, support local comedy or look into mentoring programs for young girls. That was her real heartbeat.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check in on your "strong" friends. Wanda was the one everyone leaned on, but she was the one fighting a silent battle. If you haven't had a physical in over a year, specifically focusing on GI health or reproductive wellness, schedule one today. It’s the kind of practical, no-nonsense advice Wanda would’ve given you herself between segments.