Atlanta Radio Star Wanda Smith Dies a Day After Her Birthday

Former 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.

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.

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 social media page to share a post about Smith. She included a close-up image of the late star’s 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 her boasting in an interview, “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 once been chosen by Atlanta Magazine as one of the Happiest People in Atlanta.

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 the bubbly comedian.

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.

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 for years because he was incarcerated when she was a baby and was only released when she was twenty.

After receiving a call from the young girl’s mom, who asked Smith for help, the radio host gifted the family a trip to Disney World with money that famous artist Keith Sweat gave to her. “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 that 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 to laugh and chat ….Got to live this here lifestyle…. wanda and RICH [sic].”

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 and now we hear this! Man 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… [sic]” wrote a heartbroken fan.

Another echoed, “I’m so saddened by Wanda’s passing. Man, life is soooo short. I remember the good ole days with frank and Wanda on v103. She was the life of the show and loved her community. Man, this hurts [sic].”

“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.

The “Flex” artist, born Dequantes Lamar, sadly lost his life on September 5, as confirmed by his family and the Fulton County Morgue.

Naturally, his untimely demise left loved ones devastated, and while no cause of death has been disclosed, his family is seeking answers.

Quan first made waves in the music industry in 2013 with his breakout hit “Type of Way,” which his fans love vibing to. He continued his rise to fame with tracks like “Fly Rich,” “Tell Em,” and “Ride Out.”

He also collaborated with fellow Atlanta artists Young Thug, Jacquees, and 2 Chainz. Together with Young Thug, he was part of the Cash Money Records project “Rich Gang.”

The hip-hop community and fans expressed their condolences, mourning the loss of the talented rapper who made a significant impact in the music world.

One heartbroken fan shared, “This wasn’t supposed to be true 🥺,” while another expressed, “Ugh 😢 crazy. Rest in heaven 🕊️🙏🏾.” A third admirer also stated, “So heartbreaking.”

Quan’s demise also took his fans by surprise because just three days before his death, he shared an Instagram post on September 3 (2024) that had the caption, “Vision clear even through the BS 🤫.” This marked his last social media post before his demise.

The rapper’s legacy is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Amber Williams, and their two sons, Royal and Layòr Leonis Lamar, whom the couple were raising together.

Quan was a doting father to his two boys as indicated by a 2016 birthday message that Williams penned to her beloved. In the post, she praised him as an amazing father and expressed admiration for his continued success.

Williams also acknowledged their ups and downs, “It’s been quite a roller coaster but we’ve learned to get over the hills, twist [sic], & turns as ONE! Love you babe ❤️ @richhomiequan.”

Four years later, in 2020, the pair announced that they were expecting their second child. They shared a special moment from their gender reveal party, which showcased that their secondborn would be a boy.

In the photo, Quan stood beside Williams, who held their eldest son close as they celebrated the then-upcoming addition to their family.

Quan cherished his boys deeply. In another memorable photo, the couple stood together while holding their son, Layòr, between them, as he beamed with a wide, joyful smile.

The image, which captured the close bond they shared as a family, was captioned, “Layòr, that smile gonna get you through doors you wouldn’t even imagine 😃🤍.”