Amy Ekisa Newnham

December  4th, 2005 December  29th, 2024
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

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


February 4, 2025
Amy was a very special person. I got to meet her just last year in our Psychology class, we had chosen the same modules and sat at the same table together. I didn't know her for long but I am so glad I did know her. She was graceful and genuine. She was always smiling and laughing. She also had so much knowledge of Psychology and explained things to others in a way that made sense. She had a note book of beautiful hand written notes that she bought to class with different coloured, highlighted sections. In the short time I knew Amy I didn't realise she had a strong faith but it doesn't surprise me at all now. It was clear to see - she was gentle, patient and kind. These virtues shone through even to those who did not get to know her well. Her smile was beautiful. We miss you in class Amy. I wish we had the chance to create more memories with you and I hope I get to chat to you again someday in a better place x
Camilla Edwards
February 3, 2025
Sarah, Mark, Joshua and Abbie, Our hearts are just so heavy and troubled at losing beautiful Amy so early. We always remember Amy as a sweet little girl who we lived next door to for those years with you all as our wonderful neighbours. Amy was never unkind to any living soul and always had such an innocent way about her saturated with joy and delight. The only time I saw her unhappy was the Christmas day we shared together when a thief tried to break into your house while we were having lunch over on our verandah. She was very worried about her papa being safe who had taken off in pursuit of the thief. A few months back my girls were only just saying how much they love and miss your kids and remember Amy very fondly. I don't know how you will bear this time as a family, but I want you to be strongly comforted and reassured that this time on earth is so short compared to the time we will have together in eternity. I know Amy will be waiting for you and all of her loved ones and friends on the other side where there will be no more tears, no more darkness, no more separation and we can all be reunited. Love you all so much and sending you hugs from afar but wishing we could see you in person to just be with you through this time. Love Jill and Greg, Esti, Ariela and Zoe xxxxx
Greg and Jill Vine
January 30, 2025
Sarah and Mark, I arrived too recently in the Penhill Benefice to have the chance to meet Amy and your family - but now with a full month past, I wanted to post and say all of you are not forgotten - you are still in our prayers in these early days of loss. And even when earthly strength fails, for all time you will be held secure in the Father's love. May you know that unfathomable peace that transcends understanding ... each new day.
Tom Ringland
January 22, 2025
Dear Amy,
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.
Naomi Kitone
January 22, 2025
It was a blessing to have Amy join our kids club many years ago.
Mark and Sarah I hope these pictures bring you joy as you remember your beautiful little girl.
Big hug and love from us.
Inge Bax
January 21, 2025
Dear Mark and Sarah
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
Pam Tiller
January 19, 2025
Amy was so so special to me. We shared so many inside jokes together with Natalie. Psychology was my favourite class mainly because of her making me laugh for the whole session. She was a bright soul. I remember whenever she’d bring a baked good she would make sure to give me extra. Whenever I’d forget to do homework, she’d let me copy last minute. What i did to deserve her endless generosity? Who knows, but i am forever grateful. She was the best baker i knew. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside and sadly i don’t think she knew just how stunning she was, honestly the most beautiful girl with the warmest smile. I’ll miss our borderline misandrist conversations, she was the only one who got me in that sense. We could talk about anything and that is rare to find in a friend. She was one the smartest, wittiest, most organised people I’ve ever met, always inspiring me to do my psychology and literature homework on time, as procrastination is honestly my middle name. One thing we’d talk about often was our future careers. Amy would host her own podcast. Natalie to be a singer, and me a lawyer, all by God’s grace. A running joke we’d have is that we’d “cancel” each other when we’re established and that was just one of the thousands of jokes we shared. I mourn the fact that we won’t grow old together and our plans for her won’t come into fruition, however Natalie and I will make sure we live on for her. I thank God that i was blessed with Amy as my close friend and she got to brighten my day. I thank God that she is no longer in pain. I thank God that i can look back and laugh at memories with her and not be too consumed by grief as she was such a jolly person it’s hard not to laugh when looking back. Amy, i love you always. Rest in eternal peace🕊️❤️
victoria denga
January 18, 2025
Dear Mark, Sarah, Joshua and Abigail, we were so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of dear Amy from this earth. PEACE BE WITH YOU. The whole church now knows and will be praying for you at this difficult time.
Arthur and Suzanne Holland
January 17, 2025
My wife, Brenda and I met your whole family at Nether Kellett church when, I guess, Amy was about 12/13. It was great to meet you all. I was a speaker for MAF in those days and the Newnham family often featured in my presentations!
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
Geoff Gill
January 16, 2025
My late wife Janet (nee Flew, d:2018) and I have been supporting the Newnham family for around 20 years and it has been a privilege to have followed the arrival, development and flourishing of Amy, Joshua and Abigail via 'Riveted Together' through those years as well as Mark and Sarah in their journey with MAF. I have only met the family twice, but I was still greatly affected by the news of Amy's homecall. Not a stranger to unwanted loss myself, I encourage you all to continue to cling to the only One, Jesus, who is victorious over Death and the Grave. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Job 1v 21.
Phil Willis
January 16, 2025
Dear Mark Sarah Joshua & Abigail
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
Jayne Fostet
January 14, 2025
Not a recollection, but just to let you know for sake of happy past memory of the Newnham Family I send my heart-felt love and sympathy and assurance of my prayer at this very sad time. (News via Roy Jones)
Chris Voke
January 13, 2025
I may have only known Amy for three months but she was one of the best friends I ever had. I’ll always miss our late night hang out sessions, morning debriefs after nights out, co-op trips, giving each other silly nicknames, watching twilight, and hearing her laugh. You always knew how to make me smile and what to say. I can only hope I was as good a friend to you as you were to me. I’ll never forget getting to experience snow with you for the first time and running around in it for so long that your fingers were too numb to open the front door. I miss you amy wamy. The flat feels empty without you ♥️
Anna Marie Shaffrey
January 13, 2025
Dear Mark, Sarah, Joshua and Abigail,

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.
Esther Ropkins
January 13, 2025
To Mark, Sarah, Joshua and Abigail

I am so very sorry to hear about Amy.
God bless you, all.

Richard James Chambers
January 12, 2025
My dearest friend Amy. I was praying for you and now you are with the Lord. I will always remember your beautiful personality and smile. We will miss you 💗 When you used to come in the UK for holidays we spent some time together. We will always love you.xx🤍🤍
Jennifer Novais
January 10, 2025
Dearest Mark and Sarah,
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.
Adrienne Blomberg
January 10, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family, may God console you.
S.Franklin Martin
January 10, 2025
Amy was a special person. Over the four and a half years we were friends, I quickly learned this. That great big laugh and even bigger personality was a joy to be around. I have many fond memories of Amy, I will never forget our little beach trip in December 2021. Or sitting for hours and hours singing karaoke and playing just dance when we 100% should’ve been sleeping. Or just lying in bed in the middle of the day sending each other videos, even though we were right next to each other.
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.
Lexi van Tongeren
January 10, 2025
Amy - Mingi Love and Hugs to you. May you Rest in Peace. Fly like the Angels
Meschell van Tongeren
January 10, 2025
After knowing the Newnham family for years I made the trip to Kenya summer of 2024 and not only got to see Kenya but got to know the family more and particularly Amy she was welcoming ,funny, kind and just a lovely bubbly girl I will never forget the laughs we had
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 ❤️
Verity Cotterrill
January 8, 2025
Ames and I have been friends since year 10 (more than 3 years ago). We met because we were in the same class for business and food. I’ll never forget our jokes in business, our eye contact when we heard questionable comments (from you know who), and calling you “Chocolate princess 77” every time I got the chance (it was her iCloud email). Ames you are such a beautiful person; kind, caring, compassionate and understanding. Your presence in my life is one i took for granted but I will forever treasure the memories we have shared. I love you so so much Amy❤️. To Mr and Mrs Newnham, Abby and Josh, I offer my deepest condolences. You are all in my prayers ❤️. Mr and Mrs Newnham, you have raised such an incredible young woman who has influenced so many of our lives all over the world.
Bersabeh
January 8, 2025
Amy was a happy and bubbly person who never failed to make me smile. Amy and I become close in the last 2 years of high school and I’m so glad and grateful that I got to spend those two years with her as she made laugh and smile whenever I was around her. Amy had a beautiful soul that brightened the mood in any room. I will never forgot our coast trip, it was a really fun five days of no sleep, partying, swimming, getting ready and just laughing non stop. Amy will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll cherish all the memories we had together.💞💞Love and miss you Amy❤️.
Annicah Ubhi
Share

Secure payment

First Lastname donation
Order total: $ 0
Your host will receive your funds within 24 hours.