ATLANTA — Atlanta radio is remembering legendary host, personality and comedian Wanda Smith.
Smith died over the weekend at 58 years old.
The news interrupted broadcasts all over Atlanta.
"Big Ray" Dyer is the co-host of the Ryan Cameron Uncensored show. Smith worked with Cameron from 2014 to 2018.
“When I first came to Georgia, Wanda, along with Ryan and other people, but Wanda was one of the first people to really be friendly," Dyer said.
Smith connected with people for 20 years on V103 with the Frank and Wanda Morning Show. Dyer said that's what solidified her in the business.
“Doing what we do, you gotta be for the people," Dyer said. "And Wanda was definitely community. One of her favorite times was Christmas, Wanda's Christmas List."
Listeners called into Dyer's show to share their memories of Smith. One listener described meeting Wanda.
"We had an opportunity to share wings. We talked Falcons. We booed the Saints. We also talked about the community--the things that she was doing, the things that she wanted to do, but also the love that she had in regards to actually wanting to be there to help single moms. She showed her heart to us. And it was absolutely beautiful," the listener said.
The listener described Smith's notable and viral moment with a comedian.
"For those that are paying tribute to her, pay tribute to her, not an incident that happened in 2018. Yes, it did happen. It is a page in her chapter, but it doesn't sum up the book," the listener continued.
"The constant joking that, sometimes, she would start and I would get in trouble because they're looking at me. And I'm like, it wasn't me. It was Wanda," Dyer added.
Other listeners went on to describe her legacy.
"She is a gem for Atlanta. She is a legend in radio and comedy," another listener said.
According to her bio, Smith has performed comedy at Def Comedy Jam, Comic View, Uptown Comedy and Atlanta Comedy Theater. Her IMDB profile also shows that she's acted in "Madea Goes to Jail," "Madea's Witness Protection," and "The Drone That Saved Christmas."
“It wasn’t like she came out to do jokes," Dyer said. "She came out to entertain.”
Dyer said Smith's comedy is central to many memories with her, such as during a work meeting.
"The question was like, 'Well, are we going to eat?' And they was like, 'Well, we may have something.' And Wanda just stared out: 'Light snacks! Light snacks! Light snacks!' And she got everybody in the meeting, which took the meeting in a whole different direction. That's what Wanda was," Dyer said.
Dyer shared his last time seeing Smith.
“I just hugged her and was just like, ‘Hey, we good?’ And she said, ‘Yea, we good,'" Dyer said.
V103 Senior Vice President and Market Manager Rick Caffey shared the following statement:
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.
In her role at V-103, dating back to 1997, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care to 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.
Rest in peace Wanda, as you take your place amongst the stars. We Will Miss You.
"I was happy... in the fact that I was able to get to know her and how she affected Atlanta altogether," Dyer added.
Dyer said when he thinks of her, all he can do is smile.
“You’ve got to laugh at it because if not, you’re going to drive yourself crazy," Dyer said. "And Wanda taught me how to laugh and enjoy myself.”
Smith is survived by her husband, LaMorris Sellers, and her kids. Smith's cause of death has yet to be revealed.