What's Happening!! Star Danielle Spencer honored at obituary ceremony by friends and family

What's Happening!! Star Danielle Spencer was honored by friends and family after she had passed away at the age of 60 on August 11 from a battle against cancer. They honored her in a church in Richmond, Virginia.

Spencer, best known for playing the funny and likable Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom and its sequel, What's Happening Now!!, was honored in a moving ceremony at Bon Air Baptist Church, which was attended by other child stars, old friends, and family. It included her co-stars, actress Kim Fields, and longtime friend Holly Robinson Peete.

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Actress and veterinarian Danielle Spencer's emotional tribute from her friends

Pete shared a wholesome post in memory of her friend on Instagram on Friday, August 22, 2025:

"Yesterday in Richmond, I had the honor of remembering Dr. Danielle Spencer — known to the world as the hilarious 'Dee' from What's Happening — but to me, she was my sweet girlfriend and schoolmate when we were just 12 and 13. I will never forget her kindness, her grace, and her strength through life's many challenges."

She added:

"Being with her family and loved ones … and sharing in the love of those who were with her in her final moments is something I will cherish forever. Rest in heavenly peace, Danielle. You will always be remembered with so much love."

She concluded with Spencer's quote:

"I've been through fire, but I came out stronger. Every challenge I faced was a step toward the woman I was meant to be."

Following Holly Robinson Peete, Haywood also uploaded a clip of himself and his wife, Paula DeJesus, on Instagram, where they spoke about Danielle Spencer and about how it was a wonderful day and a memorial for Spencer, whom they referred to as "our girl," "dear friend," "sister," and "family member." He spoke about how the memorial was a celebration of her life as an actress, a veterinarian, and a person, and how he and his wife would miss her "forever."

Another dear friend of Danielle Spencer, actress Kim Fields, paid tribute to Spencer in a meaningful and personal way. Fields wore bright pink heels as she blew kisses on the digital billboard, which had Spencer's photo and years of life. She mentioned it was “in honor of our epic Barbie playdates." She wrote:

"Had the honor of speaking today, celebrating her life. Our intersecting began pre everything. New York days. Our parents were in acting school together. She had the most incredible collection (dolls and ALL the Barbie toys). I added to her collection today with a black veterinarian Barbie, presenting it to her mom. Dani left acting and became a successful veterinarian, DOCTOR Danielle Spencer."

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More about Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer's career was not all Dee Thomas on TV. When her acting career ended, she followed her passion for animals and graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. She then went on to heal animals for decades as a veterinarian.

In her 2010 memoir, "Through the Fire...Journal of a Child Star," she detailed her path from a child star to a veterinarian.

Spencer has been battling challenges since she was a teenager. In an accident with her stepfather, Tim Pelt, during her teenage years. Her stepfather, Tim Pelt, had died in that accident, and she fell into a coma and had a broken limb and pelvis. However, she recovered and returned in time for the show's last season.

Later on, she had spinal stenosis because of the accident, which left her almost paralyzed, and by 2014, she had breast cancer and had undergone a double mastectomy. In the year 2018, she also had emergency brain surgery. Despite all the challenges, she was open about her experience and inspired others in their personal battles.

Spencer's influence is not just on television but also in the fields of medicine and cultural history. She was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in the year 2016. She described the induction to Black America Web:

“I still can’t believe it. That's something people can look at for years to come, long after I’m gone.”

Danielle Spencer will be remembered as an actress, a veterinarian, and a cancer warrior. She leaves behind her mother, Cheryl Pelt, and brother, jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.

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