Three-Day 'Celebration of Life' Planned for NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver (Article from TAPintoMorristown)

NEW JERSEY -- Two days after Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver passed away, Governor Phil Murphy announced a three-day "Celebration of Life" that will pay tribute to Lieutenant Governor Oliver's extraordinary life and legacy of public service.

The Lt. Governor, who was 71 years old, is being remembered for her decades long career in public service and as a trailblazer.

Oliver was only the second lieutenant governor in state history and the first woman of color to win election to a statewide office. She also was the first African-American woman to serve as the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly.

"Sheila was not only a distinguished public servant, but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero," said the Oliver Family. "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."

Murphy also signed an executive order requiring that all United States of America flags and New Jersey State Flags be flown at half-mast for 30 days (between August 4 and September 4) in honor of Oliver.

"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," said Governor Murphy. "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."

The schedule for the three day of the "Celebration of Life" for Oliver will be as follows:

Thursday, August 10, 2023: Members of the public are invited to pay their respects to Lieutenant Governor Oliver in the New Jersey State House Rotunda (located on West State Street in Trenton) where she will lie in state. Oliver will be escorted and accompanied by a rotating Honor Guard from the New Jersey State Police.

Friday, August 11, 2023: Lieutenant Governor Oliver will be escorted to the Essex County Historic Courthouse by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police.Members of the public are invited to pay their respects at the Historic Courthouse (on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Newark) where she will lie in state. Lieutenant Governor Oliver will be accompanied by a rotating Honor Guard from the Essex County Sheriff's Office.

Saturday, August 12, 2023: Lieutenant Governor Oliver will be accompanied to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police for a Memorial Service that will be open to members of the public.

Following the Memorial Service, the casket will be escorted by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police to her final resting place where Lieutenant Governor Oliver will be interred in a private ceremony.

In addition to these memorial arrangements, Murphy will hold a private prayer call hosted by the Interfaith Action Movement (I AM) with members of the meme with African American clergyin remembrance of Oliver on Monday morning.He will then pay his respects to Oliver's staff at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) of which she served as commissioner in a dual capacity as lieutenant governor.

Murphy will hold a press conference Friday afternoon to "offer reflections on the life of Lieutenant Governor Oliver."

From TapintoMorristown. Go here for the article.