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Danielle Spencer
1965 - 2025
Danielle Spencer
1965 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1965
DIED
2025
Danielle Spencer Obituary
She was a child star best known for her sassy portrayal of Dee Thomas on "What's Happening!!" and its '80s sequel, "What's Happening Now!!"
Spencer is also being remembered for leaving acting as an adult, choosing a career as a veterinarian.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images )
180 Entries
William Smith
September 17, 2025
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
William Smith
September 14, 2025
Rest in peace my angel you Wii be missed but not forgotten
William earl Smith
September 5, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
William Smith
September 4, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
How you can show support
William Smith
September 4, 2025
You will always be my Dee
Adrienne Hill
September 3, 2025
Dr Spencer May you continue to rest in paradise you was definitely a superstar may God give your family comfort during this difficult time I always admired you every day I watch what's happening. I remember growing up when you use to visit your aunt Phyllis in the bronx I lived in the building next to her at times I would see the limousine in front of the
building picking you up once you got in you would wave thanks so much for the child hood memories they would always have a place in my heart God was missing an angel
C
August 31, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Spencer family.May you find comfort in knowing that God sees your tears and hears your cries. He is near to the brokenhearted and will wrap you in His loving arms. May His peace strengthen you during this time.
Nick Gionta
August 28, 2025
So many memories of Dee and that great TV show "Whats Happening" back in the 70's!! Me and my cousins all LOVED that show and would watch it together. Dee always made us laugh as well as the rest of the cast. So sorry you left us but you were funny and talented! Thank you for the GREAT memories Danielle! Many sincere condolences to your family. May you Rest in Peace..... Nick Gionta
Rick Huckaby
August 27, 2025
May she rest in peace. She´s still keeping everybody laughing to this day. God bless her.
William Smith
August 27, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
William Smith
August 27, 2025
Thank you for all the laughter you bought you will be missed Rip Dee
J. Kelley
August 25, 2025
Thank You for all the great acting you gave to us on the show What's Happen. You where such a great person. You are and will be miss but never forgotten.
anonymous
August 24, 2025
dee will be missed thank yyou
Keke M.
August 23, 2025
God Bless Doctor Danielle Spencer-David! Although I never had a chance to meet or get to know her personally, I grew up watching and adoring her as the quick-witted, wise beyond her years, smart-as-a-whip firecracker Dee Thomas on What's Happenin.'
She made that series so much fun to watch and I have no doubt she applied every bit of her real life wisdom, wit, love, kindness, warmth, patience, compassion, loyalty, dedication and extremely high intelligence to the veterinary field in which she worked.
I have no doubt that her furry little patients adored her every bit as much as us humans did.
So sorry for your loss. God bless the Spencer and David families as well as all those who lost this beautiful, precious soul.
Lawrence Sweeting
August 23, 2025
Daron Myers
August 23, 2025
I grew up watching Dee on what's happening i still watch to this day she was a true person in the tv industry she will be miss rest easy my tv friend with luv
Andrel T. Johnson
August 22, 2025
Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Danielle Spencer. May God continue to comfort you during this most difficult time with his hands of compassion. I will remember her as Dee on What's Happening & What's Happening Now. She definitely was in a class with Gary Coleman, Michael Jackson, Todd Bridges, Shirley Temple, the Olsen Twins, Kim Fields, Jaleel White (Steve Urkel), Malcolm Jamal Warner, Webster, Alfonso Ribero, Will Smith, Raven Symone, Tia and Tamera Mowry. May you continue to rest in peace.
Uhura Carter
August 22, 2025
I watch Dee on TV as Child. Best memories. She was so funny. Thank you for giving us so many laughs.
As you grown be Dr. Thank you for saving animals. You will be missed. Your memory will not be forgotten.
Tyra Scott
August 22, 2025
My Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Vera melonson
August 21, 2025
I loved her acting on What´s Happening she really made the show what it was. I´m going to tell mama Roger. She was truly and blessing.
Hazel Carpenter
August 21, 2025
My condolences to the family, I remember her from the show she really made you laugh, she´s in Gods hands now.
Kathleen Gibbs
August 21, 2025
She will be missed one of my favorite child star
Helen Jones
August 21, 2025
My condolences to Dee´s family and friends. I loved her role on what´s happening. May God continue to bless and keep her family strong in his love.
Janette O´Brien
August 21, 2025
Loved her character as Dee in What´s Happening, I really respected her for not taking anything from her brother´s older friends. A role model for young black women everywhere. She will be missed.
Tara Turner
August 21, 2025
My condolences to family and friends. Love and respect.
Big Fan, Tara Turner
Patricia Fields
August 20, 2025
Danielle, you are now Sheltered in the Arms of GOD. Oh how you are missed. Thank you for all the laughs, the smiles and caring for animals... becoming a Veterinarian Doctor...the precious animals were blessed. My heart breaks for her precious Mom Cheryl and all her family and friends. Thinking about all of you. Prayers
Lisa Weiner
August 20, 2025
To Danielle Spencer.
You were a very talented actress on the sitcom what´s happening. You made me laugh. My prayers to go to family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Adriane Harris
August 20, 2025
I loved Dee from what's happening, throughout my childhood, she was sassy,brassy and took no stuff,later on in life Daniel showed the same toughness as the part she played. Becoming a doctor, surviving insurmountable hardships with courage and grace. Rest in peace Queen,my condolences to her family.
Adriane Harris
August 20, 2025
Its taken me way too long to pay tribute to Daniel Spencer who played a tough harsh talking little girl,who reminded me so much of myself. Growing up, you had to be tough,she identified with that strength until the end of her days,not just as an actor,but as a woman,as a human being. She faced all her life circumstances with the courage of 1000 men. She will always be one of my sheroes! May she rest in eternal peace.
Mitchell Williams
August 20, 2025
My heart aches to hear this news. I´m praying for everyone.
Mitchell Williams
August 20, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Rhonda Jackson
August 19, 2025
GODSPEED! Danielle Dee-Dee Spencer. Rest well in the arms of our SAVIOUR!
Nakisha Miller
August 19, 2025
You were greatly appreciated and you will be forever loved always in our memories and our thoughts we love you
Deberry Family
August 19, 2025
DENNIS MALONE
August 19, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
DENNIS MALONE
August 19, 2025
Julie K.
August 18, 2025
She was so funny and intelligent as Dee, it was so good to see her succeed in becoming a veterinarian. What´s Happening was my favorite sitcom growing up. This brings back so many great memories of my childhood. I´m saddened to hear of her passing. She will be missed.
Walter Minor
August 18, 2025
Danielle we named our daughter your name
and when I was in my teen years we watched your show all the time! To the family find your strength in Psalms 121. Our condolences, Walter Minor and family. RIP and to God be the glory for sharing you Dee with our family!!!!
Jennifer Baribault
August 18, 2025
Janette O´Brien
August 18, 2025
I was lucky enough to have met her. She was so kind and friendly and appreciated so much her blessings. I will never forget her and her character Dee on What´s Happening. She was so talented and had incredible comedic timing, I will really miss her. May she rest in eternal peace with God by her side. God bless you all.
Deberry Family
August 18, 2025
Deberry Family
August 18, 2025
Deberry Family
August 18, 2025
Diane Weinkauf
August 17, 2025
Thank you Dee for all the laughs! You were a friend to many thru our TVs. May God treat you extra special on the other side. You are loved. Peace to your family.
In gratitude.
A fan
Kathy Wright
August 17, 2025
My most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, fans & all who knew her.
Carolyn Newton
August 17, 2025
My Condolences to her family's love her when she tell her brother off so many memories
Davis Family
August 17, 2025
To the Pelt and Spencer Families,
We send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of Dr. Danielle Spencer. She will truly be missed by all who loved her. Dr. Spencer has positively influenced the lives of many people. Despite the hardships she faced, she faced them with courage and grace, leaving a legacy that will endure. Her life is one of courage and resilience.
I fondly remember watching her when she was a young person in her role as Dee Thomas on the ABC sitcom "What's Happening!" She was humorous on the show. Her comedic skills and down-home persona added to the realism of the show. Thank you, Dr. Spencer, for sharing with us your acting talents and skills, as well as your comedic skills and veterinary expertise.
She loved animals, and with a strong desire to help and care for animals, she became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Spencer accomplished much in her life, and she overcame many challenges and struggles. This gave her a great opportunity to help others overcome their challenges. Passionately, drawing from her own personal life experiences, she gave of herself and advocated for causes close to her heart, and supported people and organizations with the goal of helping. Thank you, Dr. Danielle Spencer, your legacy will continue to inspire and encourage others. Assuredly, God will not forget the good you have done.
Treasure your good memories and may they provide some comfort for you. God is close to the brokenhearted and He will comfort you. He will give you the strength to cope. May Dr. Danielle Spencer rest in God's memory. May prayers strengthen you and God´s loyal love always comfort and sustain you. -Psalm 23
Dorothy Bannister
August 17, 2025
You left your lite here on this Earth. Well done queen. Rest in peace
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Deberry Family
August 17, 2025
Bernice Loadholt
August 17, 2025
Condolences to her family she will be missed I love the show What's Happening still watch it on phone God has a beautiful ANGEL SIH
Mary Locklear
August 17, 2025
DEE DEE as we all know you as what an amazing awesome actress you were you ran and fault a hard battel now God called you home to rest with no more suffering just rest God bless you and your family RIP
Carla
August 17, 2025
Condolences to Your Family and Friends
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Leslie Cuffee
August 16, 2025
Condolences to the family and friends of a beautiful woman. She made us laugh. She made us cry. May God grant you all strength, blessings and peace that surpasses all understanding. Sleep in Power...
George Anthony
August 16, 2025
Rip....such a wonderful actress she brought us so many memories and laughter....praying for her family and friends you will always be remembered
Elaine Kent
August 16, 2025
Your memories will live on.
Deepest Condolences.
You are in the LORDS house now.
RIP
Lawrence Sweeting
August 16, 2025
I´m sorry you left this world i grew up watching you Dee you made me laugh all the time Thank you for being here and making me laugh I am 67 years old and I will always remember you love Lawrence
Poinsetta W. McKnight
August 16, 2025
My prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Danielle Spencer. My family and I will never forget her. My brother Deacon,
Dr. Ronald McKnight, DVM was one of her teachers when she attended Tuskegee University and they once appeared together on "Entertainment Today" while she was still at Tuskegee. He died June 19, 2017 at 69 years old. The ones we love may die but love never do. Poinsetta W. McKnight, Hiawatha G. Young, Elder, Lovetta E. McKnight Thompson and Charmaine R. Thompson
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
REST IN PEACE Danielle Spencer
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Deepest Sympathy Condolences To The Family Of Danielle Spencer, Friends, Hollywood Industry & Fans, We are All celebrating the life of a talented beautiful actress Danielle Spencer, she was a child star best known for her role sassy portrayal of Dee Thomas on “what’s Happening!! 1976-1979 63 Episodes, and its ‘80s sequel, “What’s Happening!! 1985-1988 Episodes H1.7 we al grew up watching “What’s Happening!!, the Sequel What’s Happening!!, thank for coming into our home making us laugh. Also, Danielle appeared in Movie “As Good As It Get” she played a Veterinarian and made a Guest appearance on “The Brady Bunch Hour Variety Show, I enjoyed watching “The Brady Bunch Hour Variety Show. She will be truly missed, yet never be forgotten. May the two years will be had, a long the coming days to come, special occasions, holidays too! Also, cherish the memories that you had, you will be surrounded by Family, Friends with tears of enduring sorrow along with laughter comfort, love to cherish with stories to tell, memories of photos and keep them close to your heart. As Danielle soul still lives on this Earth as her body departs right back to eternal Heaven, she reunited with her Mabel King aka Mabel Thomas her Tv Mother, Fred Berry aka Rerun, Shirley Hemphill aka Shirley and along with the other people she worked with. The only to people are still living from the cast. Of “What’s Happening is Ernest Lee Thomas aka her Brother Rj, Haywood Nelson aka Dwayne. We all know that she is in a good place now. My thoughts, prayers are with you and your family..
Janice Brady
August 16, 2025
RIP beautiful lady.
Thee cast of WHAT´S HAPPENING on The CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD with HOST RICHARD DAWSON
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Charles davidson
August 16, 2025
So sorry to hear this
I loved her show
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Deberry Family
August 16, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Belated Happy 60th Birthday To Danielle Spencer
Jennifer Baribault
August 16, 2025
Tonvonnie L smith
August 16, 2025
Kevin Anderson
August 16, 2025
Your comedic timing was unmatched by ANY child star of our generation. You stood out among the greats But your greatest accomplishment was your courage and strong will to make it through your MANY obstacles that were handed to you. But now your at peace absent from the body present with our lord and saviour Jesus christ.
Kelly Bursley
August 16, 2025
Condolences to Dr.Spencer's family.May she rest in peace in Heaven now.She was awesome on What's Happening?I watched that all the time when I was young.I am sure she was a wonderful veterinarian as well.Hopefully she is getting to hang out with all the animals in heaven now.May you find peace in the arms of The Lord now.
Ann cox
August 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of Danielle may she Rip
Anita Williams
August 15, 2025
I am so heartbroken to hear of Danielle Spencer's passing. I never missed an episode when she was on tv! May God grant the family His Supernatural Grace and Peace during this difficult time.
Paula
August 15, 2025
My condolences ! You brought us a lot of joy and laughter when you played as Dee on "What´s Happening"! You will always be remembered and loved !
Carol Taylor
August 15, 2025
Grew up watching What's Happening and still watch it to this day. May you find peace in knowing you are no longer in pain and eternally with Our Savior Jesus Christ. You will be missed. Hope to see you when I get there
Dawn Pierce
August 15, 2025
My condolences to the family.
Rest in peace "Dee"
I grew up watching what's happening
Lisa Weiner
August 15, 2025
To Danielle Spencer,
You were a very talented actress. You did a great playing DEE Thomas on the sitcom What's happpening . My prayers go you and your friends. Lisa Weiner
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