Provokie Askew Williams

Provokie A. Williams was born on November 20, 1962, in Windsor, North Carolina, to the late David A. Askew Jr. and Laura Arterbridge Askew. As an infant, she moved with her family to Hampton, Virginia, where she grew up and spent her formative years. Her education in the local public school system began at the Historic Greenbriar School for elementary studies, continued through C. Alton Lindsay Middle School, and led to her graduation with the Hampton High School Crabber Class of 1981. She went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science from Christopher Newport College in 1986.

Provokie devoted nearly four decades as a Federal Civil Servant, building a distinguished career rooted in twenty-three impactful years with the Department of the Army at Fort Monroe. She began her tenure in 1978 as a Clerk-Typist in the Publication Stockroom for the Operations and System Integration Division of the Information Systems Command. Through certified coursework with the Army Management Staff College and the Defense Resource Management Institute at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, she established herself as an exceptional Management Analyst. She applied her advancing expertise to excel in expanded leadership roles and key responsibilities as Fort Monroe’s Official Mail Manager, Publications Control Officer, Forms Management Officer, Privacy Act Officer, and Editor.

After the closure of Fort Monroe, Provokie continued her public service for twelve years at the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Headquarters in Petersburg, Virginia. She reached the pinnacle of her career as a Records and Information Management Specialist for the Office of the Director in the Corporate Operations Directorate. Happily retiring in 2023, she embraced the well-earned new season of freedom and fresh opportunity. Dedicating this new chapter to her entrepreneurial spirit, she played with the idea of several ventures, including her long-standing fascination with tax compliance and strategy, as well as curated travel planning. Deciding on a broader business path, she established her company, IKORP, serving as principal owner to offer capital investments, services, and tailored support to empower local small businesses.

Provokie had a rich spiritual life, built upon a deep and enduring faith in Jesus Christ. She expressed her devotion through song, lifting her voice in praise as a choir member at both New Grafton and Ivy Baptist Churches. In her quiet moments, she was an avid reader who found immense delight in crocheting and scrapbooking, and she loved unwinding with classic westerns.

As an only child, Provokie cherished the special bond she shared with her parents. Surrounded by their steadfast love, she deeply valued the time spent in their company. Whether stepping out for a little retail therapy, enjoying good home-cooked food, or filling the house with classic gospel or old-school blues, together they found pure joy in simple pleasures. These moments turned into memories that anchored her and always remained in her heart.

Alongside her beloved husband, Alfred, Provokie shared a deep conviction regarding family and active parenting. She showed up in every way possible to support her children with their personal growth and professional endeavors. She extended that same wholehearted dedication to their spouses. Whether chatting with her daughter-in-law about beaded bracelets and upcoming vacations, or tagging along on boat rides and to car shows with her son-in-law, she was always there to champion and uplift them.

Provokie’s heart grew even fuller as a grandmother. She shared a distinct, personalized world with each of her grandchildren—playing monster trucks alongside her “Heavy Duty,” having sleepovers with her “Pepe Girl,” cheering from the audience at her “Binky’s” dance competitions, and braving go-karts and four-wheelers for her “Mari.” No matter the hobby, she embraced every activity they enjoyed, making sure to weave her love into every adventure.

Provokie brought a warm, joyful, and inclusive energy to every occasion. She treasured conversing about life during impromptu phone calls and cookouts with her extended family. She playfully raced her scooter and wheelchair in public spaces, bringing about spontaneous laughter from her other disabled relatives. Blessed with once-in-a-lifetime friends, she held dear every planned outing where she could joke and reminisce about the good old days.

Provokie was preceded in eternal rest by her beloved husband, Alfred Lee Williams Jr., and her father, David A. Askew Jr. She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her mother, Laura Askew; her daughter, Aiya Williams (Sharod); her son, Eman Williams (China); and her four cherished grandchildren, Yannis, Sariyh, Maiyez, and Amari. She is also lovingly remembered by a host of extended family—including her sister-in-law, brother-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins—as well as devoted friends.