Adam Ahmid Mansaray

Adam Ahmid Mansaray, known affectionately as Adam to his family and friends, embarked on his greatest adventure ever on February 23, 2025. Born in Grand Rapids, MI on February 16, 2000, Adam was a shining light with a strong, determined will and a kind disposition. He had a childlike curiosity and a contagious smile that could brighten even the gloomiest of days. One week after his 25th birthday, Adam wrapped up his grand performance of life in Grandville, MI after one of his frequent epileptic seizures brought down the final curtain.

A proud graduate of Zeeland East high school, Adam was beloved by classmates and teachers alike. His interests reflected his laid-back personality. He enjoyed seeing and petting animals, as well as seeing babies, whereupon he would frequently declare emphatically, "That's the cutest baby in the world!". He loved working crossword puzzles, and also playing Uno and Bingo (we suspect because he was thrilled to be able to shout loudly whilst indoors at the table). He was a lifelong devotee of his beloved Nickelodeon cartoons. And his culinary kryptonite, of course, was the Little Caesars Meal Deal – indeed, Adam's obsession with "garlic foods” was the stuff of family legend!

Adam’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He was the cherished son of Christine Rothrock Mansaray and Alpha Mansaray, and a beloved stepson to Marcia Mansaray. His sister Aria and brother Austin shared in the years of countless daily moments that are now treasured memories. With a blended family that included Grandma Carolyn (Maring) and step-siblings Lindsey Krol, Alexander Krol, and Anna (Jared) Luellen, as well as step-aunt Aubrey and step-cousin Ezra Poppen, Adam's life was a rich tapestry of loving relationships and shared experiences.

Two sides of loving and loyal relatives comprised Adam's extended family. The Rothrock side included Uncle Len, and Aunts Kathy, Sue, and Jackie Rothrock, and cousins Donna, Lexi, Gabby, Izzy, Darien, and Cameron Rothrock. On his dad's side, his Uncle Idriss, Aunt Isha, and Uncle Abubakarr, along with cousins Adama, Adarose, Abigail, AnnMarie, Abdoul, Idriss, Jr, and Mohamed Mansaray all shared in Adam's life, his story, and his joy. His honorary family members Keith and Mary Kay Hopkins, and Andrea Faulkner, became like aunties and an uncle as their continuous involvement throughout the years of Adam's life moved them from the category of "friends" to “kin”.

So proud of becoming a grown-up, Adam moved into Pendo Gani AFC group home in Grandville in June of 2024. There, he experienced the joy of adult independence for the first time, and made fast friends with his new housemates. These new relationships mirrored the friendships he had made in his previous communities at his school, his church and his beloved Compassionate Heart Day Program. Adam also became close to his new foster parents, Mitchelle and Anthony. They took all the kids of the home on so many outings and adventures-- activities like parks, zoo visits, festivals, parades, weekly walks, and visits to the beach. When life offered Adam new opportunities, we often heard him respond with a resounding, "Well, I say YES!". Although we didn't know it at the time, these adventures and fun experiences in his new home meant that Adam ended up having a spectacular final act.

Adam’s story is not one of sadness, but one of celebration. Today and always, we celebrate a life lived with unbridled joy, a heart that loved without limits, and a spirit that could turn the mundane into magic. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who loved him. Adam’s legacy of laughter and goofball antics will continue to echo throughout our lives. In the grand game of life, Adam played his hand with humor, kindness, and everlasting zest for the simple joys. As we say our goodbyes, we take comfort in knowing that somewhere up there, Adam has walked through the Gates with breadsticks in one hand and dipping sauce in the other, and is probably winning a game of celestial Uno, petting the fluffiest of ethereal animals, and sharing a heavenly Meal Deal with the angels.

We think of what Adam's final words might have been to us: "Bye! This kid says to have a great day!"

Services will be held in memory of Adam in June 2025 at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland. Date and time TBA