Varnette Honeywood, a prominent African American painter and illustrator whose work appeared on “The Cosby Show,” passed away on September 12 after losing her battle with cancer. The Spelman graduate was known for her positive portrayal of black culture, which is how she caught the eye of Bill and Camille Cosby in 1984. Pieces of her work remained on “The Cosby Show” set from its start to its finish.

Bill Cosby said of her art: “You can depict segregation, starving and homelessness. But in Varnette’s work you can see teenagers doing homework, a family cooking a meal, girls doing their hair.” Ms. Honeywood was 59 years old at the time of her death. See some of her work below.