LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Saturday, family and friends gathered at Gethsemane for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Ashley Metz.

Metz was 23-years-old when her life was tragically taken.

community members got together Saturday to honor her memory.

“She was such a happy filled person,” said her mother, Carla Dean, “She never met a stranger so she just always smiled.”

And her smile is what she was known for.

Those who attended were asked to wear yellow to brighten up people’s spirits.

Candles were held up to the sky and balloons were released to commemorate her life.

“I did not know that child was loved, and me, that much,” said Dean “I thank everyone for coming, awesome, it was awesome.”

After the two suspects, Joshua Willis and Joseph Sylvester, were taken into custody, Dean said the feeling was indescribable.

“It’s kind of a numb feeling there’s nothing to explain how you feel,” said Dean. right now I feel nothing but joy. That’s all I can explain because I know shes at peace.”

Dean said all she can do now is try and move forward.

“She’s still here with me mentally, not physically but I’m just going to continue on living because that’s what she would want me to do, so that’s what I’m going to do,”