A Celebration Of Life
On Thursday, August 21, family, friends, and loved ones gathered at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Danielle Spencer.
Best known as the witty and sharp-tongued Dee Thomas on the ABC sitcom “What’s Happening!!,” Danielle Spencer passed away on August 11 at the age of 60 following a long battle with cancer.
Related: Danielle Spencer, Beloved ‘What’s Happening!!’ Star And Veterinarian, Passes Away At 60
Her co-star and friend Haywood Nelson first shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Heartfelt Tributes At The Service
Danielle’s dear friend Kim Fields took the podium and shared a deeply personal tribute that traced their connection back to childhood.
She recalled their “epic Barbie playdates” in New York and the way Danielle had the most incredible collection of dolls and toys.
“I honored her today with Barbie pink heels, just for her,” Kim wrote later on Instagram.
“And I gave her mother a Black veterinarian Barbie because Dani left acting and became a successful veterinarian. DOCTOR Danielle Spencer.”
Kim’s words highlighted not only their friendship but also Danielle’s grace and determination in reinventing herself beyond Hollywood.
She closed by thanking everyone for the continued love and respect shown to her friend: “Thank you for always supporting Dani, for honoring her journey, and for keeping her spirit alive.”
See her original post below.
Actress Holly Robinson Peete also shared her love for Danielle, remembering their days as young schoolmates.
“She was my sweet girlfriend when we were just 12 and 13,” Holly wrote.
“I will never forget her kindness, her grace, and her strength through life’s many challenges.”
Holly reflected on being surrounded by Danielle’s loved ones, her brother Jeremy, her mother Cheryl, her co-star Haywood Nelson, and many close friends, as they honored her life together.
“Being with her family and sharing in that love is something I will cherish forever,” Holly added.
“Rest in heavenly peace, Danielle. You will always be remembered with so much love.”
See her original post below.
Haywood Nelson Remembers Danielle
After the service, Haywood Nelson once again took to social media to honor his friend.
A hard yet meaningful day in a home-going celebration of Dr. Danielle Luise Spencer.
So much appreciation for the love shared. Kim Fields’ little sister tribute with childhood gems — a created collectible Veterinarian Barbie (for Danielle’s Mother, Cheryl Pelt) and a pair of pink high-heeled pumps worn as forever-remembrance.
Danielle’s brother, Jeremy Pelt providing meaningful love by trumpet music rendition and loving commentary.
Danielle’s nieces and nephew (Amma, Charlie and Milo) with heart-delivered performance and addresses.
With loving support from Holly Robinson Peete, Ralph Carter, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Warren Bradford, Sorors, colleagues, spiritual sisters and brothers, and many others.
See his original post below.
Jeremy Pelt’s Moving Eulogy
The eulogy for Danielle Spencer was delivered by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt.
Later, he shared excerpts on Instagram for those who were not able to attend.
“Today was… rough, BUT, I was encouraged by all our loved ones. Makes it a bit easier…💔💔,” he wrote.
Jeremy shared that Danielle was never simply “Dee” to her family.
At home, she was Dani — grounded, funny, and passionate about animals long before she became a veterinarian.
He also reflected on how she viewed acting as a stepping stone to her greater purpose: healing and caring for animals.
One of the most emotional moments came when he described receiving the call that Danielle had lost her pulse.
As their mother raced to the hospital, Jeremy sat in his New York living room, overwhelmed with grief, praying to God: “I NEED my sister. PLEASE don’t take her.”
He admitted, “Though my heart is forever broken and I won’t be ‘OK’ for a long time, I know that I STILL have a sister and I’ve been talking to her every day.”
His words revealed the profound love between siblings and the immeasurable loss felt by her family.
See his original post below.
From ‘What’s Happening!!’ To Real-Life Hero
Born June 24, 1965, in the Bronx, New York, Danielle Spencer became a household name in 1976 when she was cast as Dee Thomas in “What’s Happening!!,” inspired by the film Cooley High.
She reprised her role years later in “What’s Happening Now!!,” cementing her place in TV history as one of the most iconic child stars of her era.
Triumph Over Tragedy
Danielle’s life was filled with challenges, including a devastating 1977 car accident, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, and emergency brain surgery in 2018.
Through every setback, she showed remarkable strength and resilience.
A Passion For Healing
After leaving Hollywood, Danielle pursued her true calling as a veterinarian.
She graduated from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1996 and went on to dedicate her career to animal care and advocacy.
Danielle Spencer’s Legacy
Danielle Spencer will always be remembered not only as Dee Thomas, the sharp-tongued little sister who made TV audiences laugh, but also as a healer, survivor, and trailblazer.
Her legacy of laughter, compassion, and courage will live on forever.
Rest in peace, Dr. Dee.
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