When did Wanda Smith pass away? Radio host's death revisited in wake of BET Awards 'In Memoriam' segment 

The late comedienne and radio host Wanda Smith was honored at the 2025 BET Awards, which were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on June 9, 2025.

For the unversed, Wanda Smith passed away on October 12, 2024, in Atlanta, a day after she celebrated her 58th birthday. At the time, her employer at the V-103 radio station confirmed the news of her demise on Instagram. In the post caption, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Rick Caffey, mentioned:

“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.”

Recently, Smith’s name appeared in the “In Memoriam” tribute section of this year’s BET Awards that also featured Cissy Houston, James Earl Jones, Tito Jackson, Nikki Giovanni, DJ Clark Kent, Roy Ayers, Frankie Beverly, Lou Donaldson, and Quincy Jones.

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More about Wanda Smith’s death amid her 2025 BET Awards tribute

Popular Atlanta radio personality Wanda Smith died in October last year at the age of 58. The cause of her demise was not officially disclosed. She is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, her three sons, and her grandchildren.

Back then, Rick Caffey posted a tribute on V-103 Atlanta’s Instagram page.

“It is with heavy hearts that we grieve the loss of one of our own, Wanda Smith… Rest in peace, Wanda, as you take your place amongst the stars. We Will Miss You,” part of the caption read.

The post was accompanied by an image of Smith and asked fans of Wanda to tune in to Sunday Morning Praise with Larry Tinsley on October 13, 2024, to pay their homage and share their stories and experiences of the deceased with everyone.

The tribute also mentioned that Wanda was associated with the V-103 radio station for nearly three decades.

“In her role at V-103, dating back to 1997, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care servicing the Atlanta community. 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,” the post read.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also mourned the death of Smith. In a statement shared with the press, he said:

"Atlanta has lost a staple with the passing of Wanda Smith, not only in our city’s media, but our culture. We not only trusted her, we relied on her for her acumen, a common-sense way of speaking to her listeners…and perhaps most importantly, telling us it was okay to laugh in good times and bad.”

Dickens added:

“She was a voice for so many Atlantans, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and folks like me who just loved her love for our city.”

According to Fox5 Atlanta, Wanda Smith began her career as a radio host by co-hosting WVEE FM’s (later renamed as V-103) syndicated show, Frank and Wanda in the Morning, in 1998, with Frank Ski.

Smith at the V-103 Live Pop Up Concert. (Image via Getty/ Paras Griffin)

The Miami native continued in the role until 2012. Following Ski’s departure in 2014, she co-hosted with Ryan Cameron until 2018. Wanda was best remembered for her controversial interview with Katt Williams in 2018, where the latter criticized her interview approach, per Revolt TV.

Besides being an Atlanta radio legend, Smith also worked as a comedian. Her notable projects include BET’s Comicview and Def Comedy Jam – both of which she co-wrote. She was also a regular at Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross for her weekly gigs.

Smith appeared in cameo roles in several films and TV shows, including the holiday movie, The Drone That Saved Christmas, and Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail and Madea's Witness Protection.