Providence Ebubechi Napoleon

May 23, 1986 - April 19, 2021

Celebrating the life of an angel, Providence Ebubechi Napoleon (nee Okoye) May 23, 1986 - April 19th, 2021 Sometimes we meet an angel in human form. They walk on earth and interact with us, touching lives and impacting souls. We imagine we will have them for a long while, but heaven demands they take their rightful place. For an angel cannot fly too close to the ground for too long. Providence lived a full and fruitful life. She was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria on May 23, 1986, to Elder Peter Okoye and Dr. Grace Okoye. Providence was exceptional from the very beginning. She completed her secondary education at Igbinedion Education Center, Nigeria. After graduating from high school, she went on to study International Relations with a minor in Economics and Political Science at Florida International University. During her time there, she impacted so many lives and would eventually become the vice president of the student government at FIU. Following her graduation from FIU, she continued her education at the University of Richmond School of Law. In 2011, Providence married the love of her life, Wendy Napoleon, whom she met in 2006 in a college Bible study group while at FIU. As she said on many occasions, the best thing that happened to her was meeting and marrying Wendy. They were true soulmates. They shared a life that exemplified what true love looks like. After graduating from law school, Providence received not one, but two prestigious federal clerkships: the Honorable Judge James R. Spencer of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Honorable Judge Roger L. Gregory of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Following her clerkships, Providence joined McGuireWoods in Richmond, VA where she made a tremendous impact as a young lawyer and as a champion of diversity & inclusion. She subsequently moved to Washington D.C. and joined Allen & Overy, where she was a rising star. There she was a member of the Investigations and Litigation practice team, and focused her own practice on cartel investigations and antitrust litigation. In addition to being a phenomenal lawyer, Providence was extremely active in the community and always finding ways to serve and mentor. She was a member of the ABA, serving on its House of Delegates as a member of the Resolutions and Impact Committee, and was the young lawyer delegate to the House of Delegates from the Commonwealth of Virginia. She also served on the Legal Counsel for the Elderly Young Lawyers Alliance Board, was a past-Chair of the Virginia State Bar (VSB) Diversity Conference, and served on the Board of the VSB’s Young Lawyers Conference. Providence was named a Rising Star by The Legal 500 in 2019 and has been recognized by Legal Bisnow's Trending 40 as one of the top 40 lawyers under 40 in Washington, DC. Outside of her prestigious and exemplary studies and career, Providence loved God, loved Wendy, loved family, loved life, loved to sing, travel and be in the company of friends and family. She was a devout Christian and follower of Christ. She possessed a gracious spirit and unwavering faith. She brought joy to those around her even as she was struggling with significant medical issues. She drew those around her with her beautiful smile and showed genuine interest in others and their well being. She was loyal to friends and family and wanted the best possible outcome for those she loved. Knowing Providence, Eby as she is fondly remembered by family, she is probably looking down and trying to get our attention with her bright smile and screams of "oh my gosh" "this place is beautiful! This place is amazing!" Music was one of the ways that Providence connected with God, and when she sang, anointing filled the room with a voice of an angel. The day before she passed onto glory, she shared a Youtube video during family prayer, titled the Goodness of God. In the end she was true to her worship of the Lord. Like the words of one of her favorite songs, Make Room, Eby laid it all down: Every burden, every crown. She surrendered and made room for the Almighty. We can see her singing to the Lord Almighty: I will make room for You, to do whatever You want to. To do whatever You need to. Indeed, her life was a life devoted to God, to make a beautiful symphony. Adeiu, daughter of Zion. Find rest in the arms of The Almighty. Providence’s legacy will leave on with the family and loved ones: Husband: Wendy Napoleon Parents: Elder Peter Okoye and Dr. Grace Okoye Siblings: Suzylene Okoye Victory Okoye Confidence Okoye Faithful Okoye Mother-in-law: Rosena Napoleon Brother-in-Law: Ehis Imafidon Rudy Napoleon Sister-in-Law: Ugochi Okoye Dana Dumont Kerline Dumont Nephews/Nieces: Osose Imafidon Omose Imafidon Osekhale Imafidon Many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, In-Laws and Friends