Wanda Smith Life Celebration Program

Monday, November 4, 2024 · 11:00 AM 212 Riverside Parkway, Austell, Georgia 30168 Bishop Dale Bronner, Senior Pastor Pastor Bryan Allen, Officiating

Our beloved Wanda Sherea Smith was a woman of humor, philanthropy, and love. She was secure within herself and sought daily to uplift, support, and encourage others.

Wanda was born on October 11, 1965, in Miami, Florida to Johnny L. and Ethel L. Smith. She was the youngest of two children born to this union. As a product of Miami, Wanda was educated through the Miami-Dade County Public School System, to include Santa Clara Elementary, Allapattah Elementary and Junior High and Miami Jackson Senior High. She loved sports and was a member of the school's volleyball team. Wanda graduated in the class of 1983.

After high school, Wanda entered the workforce, working several odd jobs. But in the mid-1990s, with a move to Atlanta, GA, Wanda found her niche in comedy. She was always the life of any gathering and had a genuine knack for making people laugh, so becoming a comedian was definitely a part of the plan. Wanda performed standup comedy in a variety of clubs in Atlanta including the Uptown Comedy Club and Café Echelon. Throughout the years she was featured in several Tyler Perry films and even lended her writing talents to BET's Def Comedy Jam Show. Wanda even wrote her own stage-play called "Wanda Smith & Friends". She starred in the play alongside a host of other notable entertainers. The play had a successful run for multiple years with every show being sold out at the Atlanta Civic Center.

In 1997, Wanda joined the V-103 Radio Station family, where she teamed up with Mike and Carol and later joined forces with Frank Ski. This connection had such an amazing synergy and chemistry, that their radio show was ranked #1 multiple times between 1998-2013. She was more than a Radio Personality Icon; she used her platform to extend her reach to those who needed it most. Whenever someone was in need, she and her colleagues, went the extra mile to ensure those in need would be attended to. From raising hundreds of thousands of dollars after the 9/11 tragedy, to collecting and delivering food necessities for residents in New Orleans after the Katrina storm - you could count on Wanda. In every role she played, you would always see her heart. Wanda's acts of generosity and kindness taught others to give, to care, and to be involved. She was highly respected by her listeners, colleagues, and the people whose lives she touched.

Wanda was a woman of great faith and strength and a longtime member of the Word of Faith Cathedral, in Atlanta, under the leadership of Bishop Dale C. Bronner. She not only listened to the Word but lived out the Word in her daily walk - evidenced by her many acts of kindness.

Wanda loved being a mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her memories to be cherished by her sons; Tavares Kearney (Saxony) and Giovanni Adams; grandchildren; Taylor and Tristan Kearney; her mother; Ethel L. Smith; sister; Janice Smith; nephews; Rashad and Delman Lumpkin and a host of close relatives, cousins and friends.

Today, as we remember Wanda, we remember her infectious laugh and charismatic presence. She was optimistic with an effervescent spirit and even deemed the "Happiest Person in Atlanta" by Social Media. She lived her life on purpose and with purpose. Whether it was helping or giving to those in need or making us laugh - we are forever grateful to have known her. Perfectly noted by a social media clip, "Wanda's legacy must be remembered as laughter, resilience, and authenticity.” Rest in Power, Wanda. Thank you for the laughs.

Processional ..................................................................................................................................................................‘’Missing You’’ Crowning Ceremony ........................................................................................................Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Greeting & Welcome .....................................................................................................................................Pastor Bryan Allen

Reading of the Old Testament .......................................................................................................Rev. Dr. Christopher Boyd Reading of the New Testament.................................................................................................................Pastor Lorenzo King Prayer.................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Jose Adames Solo ...................................................................“His Eye Is On the Sparrow”..........................................................Shamea Morton Poem..............................................................................................................................................................................Hank Stewart Obituary............................................................................................................................................................................ Read Silently

Mayor Andre Dickens Rickey Smiley Pamela Sales & Eddie Cordy Cherry Shaw Willa Jackson & Precious Bradshaw Joyce Littel Magic Man Danielle Williams Miami Jackson Generals Alumni Musical Selection ................................................“Going Up Yonder”.................................................Melvin & Marsha Miller

Eulogy .....................................................................................................................................................Prophetess Shantal Long Solo .........................................................................“The Battle Is the Lord’s...............................................................Erica Dawson Proclamation.......................................................................................................................National Black Radio Hall of Fame Acknowledgements.........................................................................................................................................Pastor Bryan Allen Final Acknowledgements................................................................................................. Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Final Committal ...................................................................................................................................Prophetess Shantal Long Recessional ............................................................................................................................................................“Safe in His Arms”

Of Love Mama, oh, how I miss you. The tears just won't stop flowing down my face. I have so many memories and pictures to look back at. You started with nothing and became a household name to everyone in Atlanta. Momma, thank you for all that you did for me - from changing my diapers to being at every football game, to buying me and Saxony our first washer and dryer when we purchased our first home.

You are my first love, and my heart hurts so bad at times now that you're gone. But I know you're no longer in pain, and that's all that matters.

Momma, watch over us from heaven. I now have a guardian angel. I will continue to make you proud as a son, husband and father. I promise. Please show me signs daily that you're still here with me. I'll keep looking for your guidance and presence in my life.

Rest in peace. Your love, legacy and memory will forever be in my heart .-Your Son Tavares Writing this is far from easy! Mommy I miss you. I wish you were here. I can tell you a mother is irreplaceable for a child.

When a mom transitions, her child is no longer whole. The loss makes it hard to breathe, eat, and or think. That child flails in the wind like a cottonwood seed. A piece of fluff that gets knocked around the world by the wind. Sometimes I landed on solid ground, sometimes I landed in a pond and almost drowned. But I’m still here keeping my head high amongst all my fear. I still know you’re by my side especially on nights I cry.

I could never forget you and a part of me is still lost and I’m wondering if I will ever get it back. Maybe that piece is in your heavenly home with you and someday you can put it back. I only wish to be whole again but that could never be because without Wanda Sherea Smith a void in my heart will forever be. I miss your touch, your laugh, your physical. You were with me for my first breath, and I was with you for your last. I will forever miss you.

I Love You Mama Your Baby Boy- Giovanni

Roses are red, violets are blue, you are special to me and you will always be. I love you GMA. -Taylor

I am sending a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings be careful when you open it. It's full of beautiful things, inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much I miss you and to send you all my love. hold you close within my heart and there you will remain to walk with me throughout my life until we meet again Love, Your Mother

No, Kin As kids, we lived together, we fought, we laughed, we cried. We did not always show the love that we all had inside. We shared our dreams and place and same secrets, too. All the memories we share are what bond us now to you. We grew to find, we have a love that is very strong today. It's a love shared by our family, that will never fade away. You are my sister, not by choice, but by the nature of our birth we could not have chosen a better one you were the best on Earth.

Love Your Sister, Janice

Dear Gma, We miss you so much! You made us feel safe and loved. We loved your yummy homemade popcorn, warm hugs and fun stories.

You taught us to be kind, share and always to be nice, especially Taylor. We'll remember our fun times: putting seeds in the bird feeder, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and watching movies together.

We're sad you're not here, but we know you're watching over us from heaven. We'll make you proud!

We love you forever, Taylor and Tristan

Although you sleep in Heaven now, you're not that far away My heart is full of memories and you're with me everyday You lived your life with meaning and with a smile upon your face A world that was full of happiness is now an empty place Our time on Earth was special but it's only the very start So please keep watching over me while we're not so far apart. I know you are at peace now and in a place where you are free Meet me at the Pearly Gates when Heaven calls for me. Wanda, thank you for your infectious spirit, your love, the laughter, and joy you brought into my life… I'm so grateful to have had you as my sister/cousin.

Rest in Peace I Love You Always, Pam

In Atlanta's heart, a love did shine, A woman's kindness, forever divine.

With compassion vast, and heart of gold, she touched lives, young and old.

Her spirit warm, her soul so bright, Guided those in need, through darkest night.

Selfless and strong, with a gentle hand, she lifted hearts, across the land.

Through laughter and tears, she stood by all, A constant presence, through life's great call.

Her love and care, a beacon high, inspired a city, and touched the sky.

Now in eternal rest, her legacy stays, Atlanta's treasure, in endless praise.

May her example inspire hearts anew, to care, to love, and see others through.

Rest in peace, Dear Atlanta’s true angel, your impact on lives will forever shine through.

Tavares Kearney Isaiah Sellers Delman Lumpkin

Giovanni Adams Rashad Lumpkin Ronnie Shields

The family of Wanda S. Smith would like to express our sincerest thanks for your prayers, acts of kindness and memories. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of “ LOVE”! We truly appreciate those who have shown your support from near and far. We pray that God continues to shower “His” blessings over you!

Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 758-1731 | www.williewatkins.com

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