‘What’s Happening!!’ Star Dr. Danielle Spencer Honored at Private Funeral

What’s Happening!! star Dr. Danielle Spencer was honored at a private funeral following her death from cancer.

“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,” Holly Robinson Peete wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 22. “I will never forget her kindness, her grace and her strength through life’s many challenges.”

According to the 21 Jump Street actress, the funeral was held at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday, August 21.

Guests included Spencer’s What’s Happening!! costar Haywood Nelson and close friends, including Kim Fields and Ralph Carter.

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“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,” Peete, 60, wrote with photo memories from the celebration of life. “Rest in heavenly peace, Danielle. You will always be remembered with so much love .”

On August 12, Nelson, 65, confirmed that Spencer had died at age 60 following a years-long battle with cancer. (She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.)

Danielle Spencer Courtesy of Holly Robinson Peete / Instagram

“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer and cancer heroine,” Nelson wrote via Instagram at the time. “Our Shero. Danielle is loved.”

The actress was known for her role as Dee Thomas in the beloved ABC sitcom, which aired from 1976 to 1979. She reprised her role for What’s Happening Now!!, which aired from 1985 to 1988.

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Spencer later detailed her time as a child star in a 2010 memoir titled Through the Fire … Journal of a Child Star.

After speaking at Spencer’s funeral, Fields, 56, took time to reflect on her friendship with the actress in a poignant social media post.

“Our intersecting began pre everything. New York days. Our parents were in acting school together,” Fields wrote via Instagram on Thursday. “Barbie pink heels just for her, in honor of our epic Barbie playdates. 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 thank you for your continued support, love and respect.”