The mother of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old found dead aboard a cruise ship, is sharing memories of her daughter and describing her as a joyful, compassionate young woman.

The lawyer for Shauntel Hudson, Kepner's stepmother, made the statement in an emergency filing in divorce court on Monday, Nov. 17, where it was detailed why Hudson may not be able to testify at a hearing for the proceedings, the outlets reported.

The teenager found dead on a Carnival cruise ship under mysterious circumstances was remembered by her family as a “beauty” who “lived every day with her whole heart” in a touching tribute. Anna Kepner,

Florida cheerleader's death on Carnival cruise ship prompts FBI investigation while stepmother seeks court delay over self-incrimination concerns.

The stepbrother remains in the care of one of his mother's relatives as the investigation into the teen's death on board a Carnival Cruise ship continues.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A funeral for Anna Kepner, a Titusville teen who died on a Carnival cruise, will be held on Thursday. Anna Kepner, 18, – who was described as her family's "sunshine" – died on Nov. 7. Her funeral will be held in Titusville, according to the North Brevard Funeral Home.

The mother of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old found dead aboard a cruise ship, is sharing memories of her daughter and describing her as a joyful, compassionate young woman. In an interview with FOX 35,