Terrilynn Monette vanished for three months in New Orleans.
Monette was raised in Long Beach, but moved to New Orleans to teach children in under-served areas as part of the teachNOLA program.
She disappeared on March 2 on the way home from celebrating with friends.
Her body was found in her car after it allegedly sank in a bayou.
Terrilynn's mother recalled her generous spirit at a service held at Wilson High School Sunday.
"I knew back on September 6, 1986 that she was going to be special," Terillyn's mother said. "She's a beautiful individual. She was a wonderful child and I'm grateful and glad that God gave her to me."
