South Brunswick Mayor Mourns Passing Of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley expressed his condolences on the death of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.

Oliver, who made history as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and later as the lieutenant governor, died Tuesday after being hospitalized. She was 71.

“We are given eyes to see and ears to hear. Lieutenant Governor grew up in Newark in the 1960's. I see that being female and African-American present challenges, more so then than today. Part of the continuing refinement of our society owes itself to strong individuals like Lt. Governor Oliver who know the importance of speaking truth to power,” Carley told Patch in a statement.

“She earned her way through advanced education. She earned her way into public life. She used those hard-won gains to help others. Her goals; social and racial and gender and religious equality should be ours' in this civilized society. That is the story I've learned from my understanding of her life. I express my sincere condolences to her family.”

Oliver was born and raised in Newark, and called East Orange home for more than 40 years, Murphy's office said. In 2017, Oliver also became the first Black woman elected to serve as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey. More: Essex County Native Sheila Oliver Dies; NJ 'Hero' Had Deep Local Roots

Oliver’s death was announced on Tuesday in a statement from her family members. More: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Dies, Family Announces

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com