Members of the public will have three chances to say goodbye to Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who died last week at 71. Thursday will begin a three-day celebration of the life of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, the trailblazing former assemblywoman who died last week at 71.
Oliver’s family said in a statement that Oliver, who became lieutenant governor in 2018, was not only a “distinguished public servant, but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend and hero.”
Gov. Phil Murphy returned from a family trip in Italy last Wednesday afternoon to attend this week’s memorials. “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,” Murphy said in a statement.
Flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff until Sept. 4 in memory of Oliver. Murphy is also commissioning an official portrait of her that will hang in the Statehouse (one of former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno will also be commissioned).
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association in Newark. The nonprofit organization helps young women of color who are interested in government, public policy, and community organizing.
Thursday, Aug. 10
Oliver will lie in state on Thursday at the Statehouse rotunda, located at 125 West State St. in Trenton. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 11
On Friday, Oliver will lie in state at the Essex County Historic Courthouse, 470 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark. Oliver is a native of Newark and later lived in East Orange. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Oliver’s funeral service will be held Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, located at 89 Ridge St. Members of the public are invited and must be seated by 9:15 a.m. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy.
Credit New Jersey Monitor
