Sheila Oliver Memorial: NJ Lt. Gov Will Lie In State For 2 Days

NEW JERSEY — Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who died Tuesday at the age of 71, will lie in state for two days ahead of a state funeral at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that a three-day “Celebration of Life” will take place from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12 in memory of Oliver, an Essex County native who became the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey Assembly.

Oliver was hospitalized Monday, July 31 and her family announced she died the following day. A cause of death has not been released. Related article – NJ Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Dies At 71 After Hospitalization

Murphy also ordered all American and New Jersey state flags to be lowered to half-staff from Aug. 4 until Sept. 4, in recognition and remembrance of Oliver. On Thursday, the governor returned to New Jersey from Italy, where he had been taking a family trip.

Members of the public may pay their respects to Oliver as she will lie in state in the Rotunda of the New Jersey State Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 10, and in the Essex County Historic Courthouse on Friday, Aug. 11. A rotating Honor Guard from State Police and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office will accompany her.

A memorial service on Saturday, Aug. 12 will be open to the public, Murphy’s office said. The Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police will escort the casket to Oliver’s final resting place, where she will be interred privately.

More details are forthcoming, Murphy’s office said.

Oliver was born and raised in Newark, and called East Orange home for more than 40 years. She previously served on the East Orange Board of Education, as well as the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Related article — Essex County Native Sheila Oliver Dies; NJ 'Hero' Had Deep Local Roots

She served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2004 to 2018, as a Democrat in the 34th legislative district. She was also the Assembly speaker for two terms, and in 2010 she became the first Black woman to serve as speaker in the Garden State.

Murphy selected her as his running mate in 2017, and called it “the best decision I ever made.”

“As we come together in shared mourning over the loss of our family member and friend Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, we will remember the legacy she leaves behind as a changemaker and trailblazer,” Murphy said. “Together, we will honor and celebrate her remarkable contributions to the state she loved, recognizing the profound impact she had on the millions of people who call New Jersey home.”

Oliver also became the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey, when she became lieutenant governor. She is only the second lieutenant governor in the state's history, the position having been created in 2010.

Murphy also appointed Oliver to oversee the Department of Community Affairs. This state department oversees local government management and finance, community planning and development, housing production, and fire and building safety.

“Sheila was not only a distinguished public servant, but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero,” the Oliver family said in a statement. “She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration. We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her.”

Per the New Jersey State Constitution, Murphy must appoint a successor within 45 days of her passing.