'What's Happening!!' Star Danielle Spencer Remembered by Hollywood Friends at Celebration of Life

Family and friends said goodbye to Danielle Spencer during a celebration of life ceremony in Richmond, Virginia.

Spencer was best known to the public as “Dee” on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!! She died in Virginia at age 60 on Aug. 11, after battling cancer.

As a child actor, Spencer appeared on What’s Happening!! throughout the show’s entire run on ABC from 1976 to 1979. After the series ended, she attended the University of California and the Tuskegee University Veterinary School.

Spencer stayed in touch with many of her Hollywood friends and they traveled to Richmond to say goodbye.

Her former co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson on What’s Happening!!, was among those who attended the memorial service on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Nelson posted a video on Instagram from outside the service and described it as an “incredible celebration.”

He wrote in the caption: “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.”

Actress and director Kim Fields shared video of an outdoor billboard displaying Spencer’s childhood picture and included a heartfelt caption.

“Had the honor of speaking today, celebrating her life. Our intersecting began pre everything. New York days. Our parents were in acting school together,” Fields shared on Instagram.

She said she wore “Barbie pink heels” in honor of the “epic Barbie playdates” she had with Spencer as a child.

“She had the most incredible collection (dolls and ALL the Barbie toys),” she continued. “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, thank you for your continued support, love and respect.”

Actress and television host Holly Robinson Peete also attended the service and posted pictures on Instagram with Spencer’s mother Cheryl, her brother Jeremy, and Ralph Carter, who played Michael Evans on Good Times.

“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,” Robinson Peete wrote in the caption.

“I will never forget her kindness, her grace, and her strength through life’s many challenges,” she continued. “Being with her family and loved ones — her brother Jeremy, her co-star Haywood Nelson, her friends Kim Fields, Ralph Carter and her beautiful mother Cheryl — and sharing in the love of those who were with her in her final moments is something I will cherish forever.”

She concluded, “Rest in heavenly peace, Danielle. You will always be remembered with so much love.”