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A 13-year-old Mission girl lost her battle with cancer late last week but on Monday, her friends and family gathered to remember her in life.

Even her classmates took time out of class to pay a tribute to her.

Lizette's classmates donned her favorite color green and released balloons in her honor.

Mission police lead the procession line towards Mission Junior High, and somber teenagers looked on as they released their tightly held balloons in Lizette Gonzalez's honor.

"She was everything. she was my precious little angel," said Melva Gonzalez, Lizette’s mother.

Melva said when Lizette was first diagnosed two years ago with cancer, she wanted to take her place.

"Why her?" said Melva.

Lizette's father, Armando, had a similar reaction.

"I wanted to die…I wanted to die…it was terrible news,” said Armando.

But Melva said her faith is keeping her strong.

"God needed an angel up there, and she's up there with him. She's walking the streets of gold," said Melva.

Everyone who knew her said Lizette was a happy child full of love.

"Never once complained…always had a smile," said Melinda Youngblood, Lizette’s homebound teacher.

Lizette’s uncle said she was a strong girl.

"She was always wanting all of us to know that she was okay," said Ross Pena, Lizette’s uncle.

In September, Lizette celebrated her Sweet 13.

She had always wanted a Quinceañera, but because of her struggle with cancer, her family was determined to celebrate it early.

Donations from the community made it possible.

Lizette’s family can't thank those who helped out enough.

"’All these people are helping us?’ (Lizette had asked her mom.) ‘Yes mija, because your party is going to be perfect it's going to be nice and you will be the star because you will be the star of the night,’ and she was," said Melva.

Her family strongly believes that Lizette is still a shining star looking down at them with the same love and care as she did in life.

"I feel her presence all the time, she's never left," said Melva.

It’s that presence that keeps the Gonzalez family strong as Lizette is laid to rest.

The Gonzalez family said they will honor Lizette this Thanksgiving by serving her favorite dish: rice broccoli casserole.

Her body was laid to rest Monday afternoon at the Garden of Angels Cemetary in Abram.

Lizette's family needs help covering the funeral costs.

If you would like to help, the family is accepting donations in an account under Melva Gonzalez/Lizette Benefit, First National Bank.