This time of year will never be the same for the friends and family of a 37-year-old Henderson woman.

According to police, Tiffany Lassiter was shot and killed on Christmas Eve by her boyfriend, Mahlon Hebron.

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Family members say she was looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her five children at her house. Her children and mother are now mourning her loss.

“He took the most precious thing away from me,” said Angie Lassiter, Tiffany’s mother. “I sit here and think over and over, 'why?"

Lassiter said her daughter loved being a mom. She said her daughter had the kindest heart and would do anything for anyone, especially her kids.

"The youngest one, eight, she always is saying she loved her momma to death... all of them loved her. But the eight year old...I just hope it never happens to nobody else I know," Lassiter said. 

Pictures stir up emotions, Angie Lassiter said describing the pain as nothing a parent hopes to feel.

“He took the most precious thing away from me. I sit here and think over and over 'why?" she said.

So far, the answer to that question is still unclear.

Henderson police are still investigating to try giving this family answers. 

Hebron is now facing first-degree murder charges for her death. He is being held at the Vance County Detention Center without bond.