OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Friends and family gathered Saturday afternoon to honor, remember and celebrate the life of A’moni Young.

She was shot dead on Monday.

A’moni was only 13 years old. Her birthday is today, July 20. Friends and family say her life was taken too soon, but they will never forget the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Five days before her 14th birthday, A’moni Young was taken from her life after being shot dead.

“She just had a bright future, she could do anything she wanted,” said Belle Laskey, her aunt.

Many family members described her personality as infectious.

“She was a free spirit,” said Shannette Young, mother. “She loved just hanging out with her friends, listening to music, playing with her brother.”

There are many things that remind us of her, but the most important are her smile and her laugh.

A 15-year-old has been charged with shooting and killing A’moni. Family wants to send a message to youth.

“I definitely want to send a message to the youth to make sure you’re doing things that align with who you really are and your purpose,” Laskey said. “Do the things that you love and enjoy and don’t get involved with the wrong people.”

On A’moni’s 14th birthday, balloons floated through the air.

Even though she is gone, her family and friends will carry on her name and legacy and cherish the times they had together.

“Happy birthday, we love you,” said several family members.

Family members told me they plan to continue to bring everyone together to keep her name alive, but also to keep the family together because that is what A’moni would have wanted.