
Amy Ekisa Newnham

Obituary
Amy Ekisa arrived in this world on 4th December 2005. She spent the first few months of her life at Sanyu Babies Home in Kampala, where she was met by her parents Mark & Sarah in March 2006. It was with great joy that she was adopted and officially became a Newnham in September 2010.
Initially drawn to her big brown eyes, easy going nature and gentle spirit, she grew into the most beautiful girl, inside and out.
From an early age Amy loved music and dancing, she had a rhythm that she clearly inherited from her African background and not us! Amy developed a love for books and reading early on. She loved listening to and telling stories. Her brain was full to the brim with creative ideas that she was just bursting to put down on paper, and this love of literature continued all the way through her school life as she studied English Literature for A-level.
Amy began her school life at Rainbow International in Kampala, where she spent most of her primary school years. Our lives as missionaries with MAF led us to leave Kampala and move to Liberia when Amy was 10. Then again, we moved to Kenya in 2020. Amy, along with her siblings willingly and graciously accepted the upheaval that transitions bring.
She approached learning with enthusiasm, always putting in 100% effort whether in the classroom, or playing for the school football or swim team. Amy has been described by many as kind, patient, gentle and genuine. She enjoyed the company of others and was at her happiest when playing or chatting with friends, her infectious laugh being heard from far away. She was fiercely loyal to both her friends and siblings and always stood up for those on the ‘margins’ and included everyone.
The greatest delight for us as parents was to watch her grow in her knowledge of and love for Jesus. Amy accepted Jesus as her Saviour when she was 5 years old and we have watched that faith grow.
Amy’s teenage years were not always easy, as we moved countries amidst a Covid pandemic and as she grappled with issues of identity and self esteem. She tackled life’s challenges with determination and we proudly celebrated with her as she completed her GCSE’s and A-levels. We watched with pride as she achieved what she needed to get a place on the course of her choice at Keele University. Her goal was to use a degree in Psychology and Counselling to help young people through the challenges in their lives…continuing in her way to put others first and care for them.
Amy began her studies at Keele in September 2024. She was building new friendships both with her flat mates and with others she connected with on her course and in the Afro-Caribbean Society. Her new independent life in the UK had it’s challenges but in the ‘hard’ things she was leaning into Jesus deeper, sharing her faith with her friends and had decided several months ago she wanted to be baptised. Kenya was ‘home’ and she wanted family around for this big celebration. Plans were being made to be baptised during this Christmas visit to Kenya…
That was not to be as God had an even bigger celebration planned in heaven. Amy’s illness was short and she battled hard to stay with us. Though we do not understand God’s reasons for taking Amy home so soon, we trust in His promises and the hope that we have through Christ Jesus, that we will celebrate with her one day.
Amy we love you, and though our hearts ache from the hole left in our lives we rest in the peace from God that passes beyond all understanding.
Gallery






Memory wall
You are still and will always be the smartest, kindest and most funny person i have come to know.
I remember our conversations as if it were yesterday...you were such a hard worker and oh! that bright smile on your face lit up a room. Your voice and intelligence filled up the silence in literature class, and the giggles during study sessions...remember... ohh girl let me say...i could re-live all the memories we had together, but they could never, i say again, never live up to you, because you made them complete, Amy, it was too soon, no no, way too soon dear, for you to leave us...but it is well, for you are at rest with the heavenly Father creator of life, you are now free, free to fly beyond mankind.
Know that you are loved Amy, oh sweet sweet gentle darling.
May you rest well sweet Angel.
Mark and Sarah I hope these pictures bring you joy as you remember your beautiful little girl.
Big hug and love from us.


I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of dear Amy. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but for the past 18 years or so I have seen her smiling face in your prayers letters. She had a beautiful smile and I’m sure she was just as beautiful inside. My prayers go out to you all as you cope with your great loss.
Pam



We have followed you with our prayers by reading "Riveted Together" and were delighted by Amy's bravery and confidence in coming to University in England. We have prayed that would be a success, so news of her death was great sadness. We want to assure you of our prayerful condolences and to encourage you all to keep your eyes on Jesus whom Amy now has the greatest privilege in seeing Him face to face! Which is "better by far".
With our love in Christ. Brenda & Geoff Gill


heartfelt sympathy from your friends at Bolton-cum-Redmire, Wensleydale
It was always a great pleasure to see you on your visits to our church followed by lunch at Anne & Anthony’s. Amy was always bright eyed, full of fun and laughter. A shining star! You are in our prayers & thoughts at this sad time.
Love Jayne

There are no words to express your loss. Praying that you and the wider family will know God's comfort and the love of those around you.
Hold on tight to each other.
I am so very sorry to hear about Amy.
God bless you, all.
My deepest condolences to you and the family, I will always remember her as the happy girl, and also the girl who could read anywhere, who loved her books. The Dr Suess poem makes me think of Amy, as she sat in the back of your car going over bumpy roads, somehow content, and able, to read. "I will read on a boat. I will read with a goat. I will read on a train. I will read in the rain. I will read with a fox. I will read in a box. I will read with a mouse. I will read in a house. I will read here or there. I will read anywhere." It makes me smile thinking of her. Praying for you, comfort for your sorrow and may smiles come to you hearts as you remember the many precious times with your lovely daughter Amy.
Seals, makka pakka and lollipops will forever be your thing.
Amy, my best friend, I have never quite felt a bond as special as this one. I miss you and love you dearly.



Mark, Sarah, Josh and Abby sending so much love to you all your beautiful Amy was a credit to you all and praying for you all ❤️




