Jimmy C Marshall

Danielle Spencer

Jun 23, 1965 - Aug 10, 2025

Richmond, VA

The star child of "What's Happening," Danielle Spencer, passed away at 60. In recent years, Spencer has been through various health challenges, including a double mastectomy, a breast cancer diagnosis, and numerous surgeries. She finally gave in to the battles on August 11, 2025, at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Born in 1965 in Trenton, New Jersey, she stepped into acting shortly after her family moved to New York City. When she was 11, she got the role of Dee Thomas, a sharp-tongued and quick-witted younger sister of Raj Thomas, on What's Happening. The sitcom aired on ABC from 1976 to 1979 and was inspired by the movie Cooley High. It became a cultural icon, and her role quickly became a fan favorite. Right after the series ended, Spencer moved to the Ivory Coast before turning to the United States to enroll in veterinary science at UC Davis. Later in 1993, she received her doctorate from Tuskegee University. She worked for two decades in her veterinary career in Los Angeles, but kept on making occasional appearances in acting, including characters in 'Days of Our Lives' and 'As Good As It Gets.' In 2010, Danielle published her memoir titled 'Through the Fire… Journal of a Child Star, igniting renewed interest in her career and overall life. Four years later, in 2014, she was inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Later in life, she also hosted a pet care segment for Richmond's WTVR-TV. Her brother, a well-known jazz trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt, survive her. Download the Obituary App to share condolences.

Carla Nichole Burton

May 11, 1988 - Nov 09, 2024

Richmond, VA

Carla Nichole Burton May 12, 1988 - Nov 09, 2024 Carla Nichole Burton, age 36, passed away on November 09, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia. Born on May 12, 1988, in Hampton, Virginia, Carla touched the lives of all who knew her and will be forever remembered for her kind heart and unwavering love for her family. The memorial service will be held at Velocity Church, 3630 George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA 23693 United States on Saturday November 23, 2024 at 11:00 In lieu of flowers we have set up a GoFundMe account to help the children Carla has left behind. All donations are appreciated . https://gofund.me/f1f4dcab Carla, a devoted daughter, was born to David Chandler and the late Cora Burton. She deeply cherished her mother,. Carla was predeceased by her beloved grandfather, James Burton, and her adoring grandmother, Janet Burton. Carla's greatest joy in life was taking care of her children. She was a loving and selfless mother to her daughter, Shyanne Joyce Marie Elder, and her son, Christopher Elder. Carla's partner, Timothy Elder, was a source of strength and support throughout her life. Together, they experienced countless precious moments, creating a bond that will endure even in her absence. In addition to her immediate family, Carla maintained close relationships with her mother-in-law, Joann Elder, and her brother, Frank Preston Miller. She also leaves behind her cherished grandparents, Henry Joe Chandler and Barbara Ann Chandler, as well as her uncle, Scott Chandler, and aunt, Courtney Chandler. Carla will be forever remembered by her cousins, Rebecca Chandler and Alyssa Chandler. During her time with us, Carla was known for her grace, kindness, and unwavering devotion. Her memory will forever serve as a reminder to cherish each precious moment and hold our loved ones close. In this time of sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to Carla's family and friends. May her gentle soul find eternal peace, and may her memories bring comfort and solace to those she leaves behind. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell