Essex County Native Sheila Oliver Dies; NJ 'Hero' Had Deep Local Roots

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County residents are mourning a powerful and inspiring political force who died this week, leaving a legacy of community service behind her: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.

Oliver, 71, was born in Newark and lived in East Orange. She served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2004 to 2018 in the 34th legislative district, and served as Assembly speaker for two terms as a member of the Democratic Party.

Gov. Phil Murphy first chose the self-described “Jersey Girl” as his running mate in the 2017 election, which they won. Murphy and Oliver were re-elected in 2021.

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

“It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, lieutenant governor of the state of New Jersey,” they wrote. “She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend and hero.”

The statement continued:

Oliver, who was acting as governor while Murphy is on vacation in Italy, was hospitalized Monday for an undisclosed cause, officials said.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari assumed the role of acting governor on Monday. Read More: Lt. Gov. Hospitalized, Senate President Named Acting NJ Governor

Gov. Murphy said that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy – as well as their family members – are “incredibly saddened and distraught” about Oliver’s passing.

“When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word,” Murphy said. “She had already made history as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the General Assembly, and just the second Black woman in the nation’s history to lead a house of a state legislature.”

“I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the state of New Jersey,” Murphy said.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” he added.

The governor hinted at Oliver’s deep connection with her roots in Essex County:

Oliver – who graduated from Weequahic High School in Newark – taught at the college level, including as an adjunct faculty member at Essex County College and Caldwell University. She previously served on the East Orange Board of Education, as well as the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Oliver, a passionate advocate for housing rights and community development, was one of the founders of the Newark Coalition for Low Income Housing. She began her career in public service as the director of the Office of Youth Services and Special Projects for the City of Newark, where she focused on preparing young people ages 14 to 21 for post-secondary education and entry into the workforce.

Oliver has held memberships in the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, the NAACP, and the Urban League. She also served on the boards of several Essex County nonprofits, including the East Orange General Hospital Board of Trustees, the United Way, the Newark Coalition for Neighborhoods, the Newark Collaboration Group, the Rutgers-Newark Educational Opportunity Fund Advisory Council, the Global Women’s Leadership Collaborative of NJ, the Essex County and East Orange Committees on the Status of Women, Programs for Parents.

In 2020, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority announced the completion of the new Sheila Y. Oliver Academy in East Orange. It was a moment that hit home emotionally, the lieutenant governor said.

“I’ve proudly lived in and served the East Orange community for over 40 years and I am deeply touched and humbled that this new school will carry my name,” Oliver said.

Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, a fellow East Orange resident who succeeded Oliver in the Legislature in 2018, offered a stirring tribute to a woman she called a “mentor and a friend.”

"Lt. Gov. Oliver's impact on my life and countless others is immeasurable, and her legacy will forever be etched in our hearts," Timberlake said.

"As a Black woman, she shattered glass ceilings, opening doors for women to enter politics and serve our communities," the assemblywoman continued. "As our queen, she paved the way for us to make meaningful contributions to our communities and the world at large. Because of her trailblazing journey, I am inspired to be a part of this noble endeavor, knowing that barriers can be broken and representation matters."

Timberlake said that Oliver's belief in her potential was a turning point in her life. But the fond memories aren't confined to the workplace, the assemblywoman added.

"Beyond her political brilliance, Lt. Gov. Oliver's down-to-earth and humorous nature endeared her to everyone she encountered," Timberlake said. "I cherish the memories of sitting next to her, laughing and enjoying Beyoncé's 2018 ‘On the Run’ concert—a shared passion that showcased her admiration for hardworking women excelling in their respective fields."

"As we bid farewell to our queen, let us celebrate her life by embracing the principles she stood for and the values she championed," Timberlake continued. "May we continue her legacy by striving for excellence, supporting one another, and working tirelessly to create a better and more inclusive world. Let us carry forward her spirit of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place."

WORDS OF MOURNING

On Tuesday, a wave of mourners paid their respects to Oliver, recalling her as a “trailblazer” and a “hero.”

“The world needs more Sheila Olivers,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, summarizing the feelings of many Essex County residents.

Messages of mourning included:

Attorney General Matthew Platkin – “Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver is a hero. She was brilliant. She was fearless. And she was unfailingly kind. Her life was marked by service – to her community, her county, her state, and her country. Millions of New Jerseyans live in a more just and equitable state thanks to her efforts. The first woman of color to serve as Speaker of New Jersey’s General Assembly and to hold statewide office, she was a trailblazer and an inspiration to us all. She showed young women, in particular, that truly anything is possible. But more than anything, she never forgot what this work was all about: the people. And she always believed things could get better – better for an individual, better for a community, better for a state. She could spend hours talking about the impact of a new housing development on a particular neighborhood or how a hospital program would provide meaningful care to people who previously lacked access. She always cut through the nonsense and the politics and right to the core of an issue, right to what mattered. Despite her stature, it was never about her – it was always about the people. She remembered everyone, and treated each person with the same dignity and respect. No one I have ever met understood the levers of government and how they could be used to help people better than Sheila Oliver. I am immensely grateful to have been able to learn some small amount from her example and I know that her impact will be felt for generations to come. My heart goes out to her to family and loved ones, her community in East Orange, and the millions of people across our state and our country who were inspired by her example. The world needs more Sheila Olivers. May she rest in peace.”

Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz – “Today, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman who was a trailblazer in this state, a friend to so many, but to me, family. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver embodied the spirit of a warrior, she was a fierce advocate for our communities and led with resilience and compassion. She was not only a fearless fighter for the voiceless, but she was also a pioneer who shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for so many women and especially women of color. Born and raised in Newark, she carried the essence of her diverse upbringing throughout her distinguished career in public service. Sheila Oliver's legacy will forever be etched in New Jersey's history as the first woman of color to hold a statewide elected office. Her passion for social justice, women's equality, and education was unwavering, and she used her position to advocate for a fairer and more equitable society. As Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, she championed initiatives to provide fair and affordable housing, uplift distressed communities, and prevent homelessness. Her impact extended beyond legislation; she touched the lives of countless individuals through mentorship and friendship. Her dedication to public service was rooted in the belief that government should work for the people, and she lived by that principle every day. Today, we mourn the loss of a true shero, advocate, and friend. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she started, striving for a better, more just society for all New Jersey residents. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, your light will forever shine in our hearts and we pray that you understood the profound impact your service has had to this State. Sammy, Silver and I are forever in your debt and we will profoundly miss you. Rest in power my sister.”

New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way – “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. She was more than a trusted colleague to me. Sheila was also a cherished friend, mentor, and role model to me and countless other African American women who have chosen a career in public service.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka - “Newark is in mourning. We’ve lost a favorite daughter, cherished and revered. Long before she was Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver mentored so many in our city – with wisdom, compassion, intelligence, and a fierce dedication to diversity, equality, equity, and justice. She loved us and we loved her back. Sheila was probably the most knowledgeable elected official in the entire state and an authoritative historian in her own right. Her biography is filled with many ‘firsts’ as a Black woman, but underlying her many accomplishments will always be the legacy and inspiration she leaves us with: to broaden our vision to see greater possibilities, to expand our embrace to include those on the fringes, and to deepen our commitment to democracy and liberty for all. We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver - “Our entire community is deeply saddened today. We have lost a true gem. Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver was a glass breaker, true trailblazer, an icon, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for many in our community. We are blessed to have known her. We stand on the shoulders of Lieutenant Governor Shelia Oliver. She will truly be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”

East Orange Mayor Ted Green – “On behalf of the City of East Orange, I am sending my deepest condolences to the family of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, one of the greatest trailblazers our state has ever known. I am shocked and profoundly heartbroken to learn of her passing. She was a phenomenal woman who inspired us with her passion, knowledge and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Her love for East Orange, Essex County and the State of New Jersey was second to none and accomplishments made us so proud. But not only was she a political giant, she was a personal friend who guided me and one of the first people to endorse me as the 14th Mayor of East Orange. I always remember that she used to tell me that if I didn’t get invited to the table, then I needed to bring my own seat. And that’s what she did. She brought her seat to the table and made the table bigger for everyone to have a seat. Her legacy cannot be overstated. She did everything with passion. Social justice, education and equality were the pillars of her platform and she was the epitome of a person who understood how to help and nurture people. Even in her position as Lt. Governor, she continued to care for her mother. That speaks volumes to her character and the essence of who she was and will always be to our community. We lost a family member today and we will miss her dearly. May she rest in perfect peace.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez - “To say that I am devastated by today’s news is an understatement. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver was a relentless voice for the voiceless, a passionate advocate for the disadvantaged, and a champion for the most important issues facing the Garden State. From her earliest victories in public service when she saved affordable housing for low-income residents in Newark to her trailblazing service as the first African American woman to lead the General Assembly as Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was an inspiration to all of us who dream of an equal and prosperous future. In 2018, she delivered the keynote address at my annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony — a powerful speech that continues to serve as a clarion call for investing in working class women and families. This is how I will choose to remember Lieutenant Governor Oliver: as a fighter, as a reformer, and as a committed leader for a better tomorrow in our state. Nadine and I are keeping the Oliver family and their loved ones in our hearts as we mourn her profound loss and honor her incredible legacy.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker - “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, a trailblazer and dedicated public servant. Lt. Governor Oliver’s legacy of service and devotion to the people of New Jersey will never be forgotten. She spent 27 years in public office, where she fought tirelessly for social justice, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for New Jerseyans, and especially for communities too often left out and left without a voice. I was fortunate enough to have benefited from Sheila’s leadership and advocacy throughout my career as Mayor of Newark, where she was born and raised, and again as U.S. Senator. I will miss her and her inspiring leadership and yet her legacy will live on for countless generations to come. Lt. Governor Oliver made history as the first Black woman to serve as Assembly speaker and the first to win a statewide election in New Jersey. Because of her, young women all across our state know it is possible to reach new heights while also serving others. My heart is heavy, and my condolences and prayers are with Lt. Governor Oliver’s family, friends, and the people of New Jersey as we grieve this immeasurable loss.”

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy – “It is with a heavy heart and tremendous sadness that I express my deepest condolences at the passing of Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. On many occasions, I told Sheila, how in awe of her I was and had the unique opportunity to see firsthand her leadership style in the legislature, the grace she carried herself with in the most contentious of circumstances and the values she fought for each and every day. Sheila was a true trailblazer that not only made history in her distinguished career, but left a footprint that continues to pave the way for so many aspiring to the high calling of public service.”

Newark South Ward Councilman Patrick Council – “The South Ward is saddened by the loss of New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. We send our condolences to her family and staff, as well as Governor Murphy and those who worked closely with her. Lt. Governor Oliver, a proud graduate of Weequahic High School, fought courageously until the end. Her impact will certainly be remembered … We send an abundance of thoughts and prayers to her family.”

University Hospital (Newark) - “The University Hospital community is saddened by the passing of a trailblazing force in New Jersey state government, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Lieutenant Governor Oliver will be remembered by many for her tireless work to support disenfranchised and under-resourced communities throughout the State and her continued advocacy for her hometown city of Newark. The University Hospital community is specifically grateful for her unyielding commitment to supporting its key mission. The entirety of the University Hospital organization will keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz – “Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver was an admired pioneer in NJ politics. To Eric and me, she was that, and a friend. As an assemblywoman, I will respect her unifying leadership as our Speaker. As a friend, I will remember her support of Eric’s vision for University Hospital. As a wife, I will cherish her friendship when I lost my husband. My thoughts and prayers are with her dear family at Sheila’s untimely passing.”

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. - “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of my good friend, my mentor, my neighbor and my Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Her strong leadership and compassion for people has served the state for so many years in many capacities. Her oratory skills were second to none. You were always humbled when she used those skills to speak of you. She leaves a void in our hearts. I want to send my most heartfelt condolences to the entire Oliver family at this tragic time. I will miss my Bock Avenue neighbor.”

Essex County Commissioner president Wayne Richardson – “Lt. Gov. Oliver was one of the hardest working people I knew. She never stopped trying to make a better Essex County, and later New Jersey, for those who need it most. She was one-of-a-kind – always composed and articulate, yet fierce and tireless. So much of the work we do in Newark today is built on the foundation she lay down over 20 years ago. May her memory be a joy to those who knew her, and a monument to the heights we can reach for our communities.”

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill - “A true trailblazer, changemaker, and tireless public servant — I join all New Jerseyans as we mourn the passing of our friend and Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver. As the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker, and the first woman of color to serve in statewide elected office, Sheila time and again made history and was an inspiration to young girls across New Jersey. A tough as nails ‘Jersey Girl,’ Sheila fought for a more equitable state and to revitalize our cities, improve public schools, and to tackle the epidemic of gun violence. Throughout her time in public office, she made her native Essex County proud with her leadership, grace, and effectiveness. New Jersey is a better place because of Sheila’s service. Her legacy will be an inspiration for generations to come. I send my deepest condolences to her family as they grieve during this difficult time.”

Sussex County Democratic Committee – “It is with deep regret and sadness that we ask you to join us in mourning the death of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Sheila was a talented and dedicated public servant, a staunch advocate for women and people of color, and a trailblazer, forever known in New Jersey's history as the first woman of color to serve in a statewide elected office, and the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Assembly Speaker. Her death reverberates through New Jersey, and we ask that you keep the Oliver Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

New Jersey Business And Industry Association – “This is a very sad day for the State of New Jersey. Lieutenant Governor Oliver was long established as a trailblazer in Trenton before representing Governor Murphy. Her dedication to underserved communities throughout her years of public service made a clear and lasting impact. Beyond being a loyal public servant to the state, especially in her leadership role with the Department of Community Affairs, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was also a strong and inspirational advocate for women business owners over the years. We were always appreciative of her working with the NJBIA in our collective pursuit of advancing women’s leadership in our great state. The NJBIA offers our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the Murphy administration.”

New Jersey Policy Perspective President Nicole Rodriguez – “New Jersey has suffered a great loss today. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver committed her life to public service and fighting for a fairer society, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, boldly carving her own path in state and local politics. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Oliver family.”

Center for American Women and Politics – “We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. We are reckoning with the loss of a longtime friend, supporter, partner, and champion of our work. Our hearts are with Sheila’s family in this devastating moment. The people of New Jersey have lost a pioneering, irreplaceable figure in the history of the state. Sheila was a trailblazer in New Jersey politics. She was the first Black woman to be the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly and only the second Black woman to ever lead a state legislative chamber in the United States. As Lieutenant Governor, she was the first Black woman in the Garden State to hold statewide office. She was devoted in both her private and public careers to improving the lives of ordinary New Jerseyans and to creating a just, equitable New Jersey that elevated all of its citizens. Sheila was also a dear friend of the Center for American Women and Politics. She believed in our vision of women’s political equity, one that is open to all women, and she supported the Center’s mission to advance new generations of women public leaders as a frequent and inspirational speaker at our programs. She understood the critical importance of bringing more women and people of color into the political process as voters, political practitioners, candidates, and officeholders, and she worked to make that happen throughout her career. Sheila, we will miss your steadfast voice urging new generations of women to step forward and lead.”

New Jersey State League Of Municipalities executive director Michael Cerra – “Sheila Oliver was a trusted and valued partner to the League, harkening back from her days as the State’s first Black Woman Assembly Speaker and through her critical recent work as the State’s first Black Woman Executive Leader. She never stopped trying to be the type of public servant who spoke up for those she represented. We appreciate her efforts on lead paint removal, affordable housing, the distribution of American Rescue Plan Funds, and a wide variety of issues through her work leading the Department of Community Affairs and in the Lt. Governor’s office, serving her State very well and with lasting impacts.”

Allison McLeod, senior policy director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters – “New Jersey lost a trailblazer for women and a champion for the underserved in New Jersey with the passing of Sheila Oliver. She made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly, and just the second Black woman in the nation's history to lead a house of a state legislature. As the head of the Department of Community Affairs, which coordinates state aid to towns and cities and oversees code enforcement she helped numerous families throughout New Jersey improve their lives. We were proud to work with Sheila Oliver and Governor Murphy on legislative initiatives to demand clean air, safe drinking water, and to protect open space in New Jersey. In her many years of public service, she always served the people of the state with grace, kindness, and empathy. Our thoughts are with the Oliver family at this difficult time.”

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé – “Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, along with the entire Newark Department of Public Safety, extends its deepest condolences to the family of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Our heartfelt sorrow is also offered to Governor Phil Murphy and to the expansive list of the Lieutenant Governor’s colleagues, friends, and avid supporters. Lieutenant Governor Oliver, who was born and raised in the City of Newark, transcended all traditional barriers to serve the people of the State of New Jersey with a singular focus on improving lives. Her extraordinary work extended to every sector of society, addressing social injustice, advancing fair and affordable housing, protecting the education of our youth, preventing homelessness, and supporting small businesses. It has been an honor to serve under her visionary leadership. We humbly salute her life and outstanding accomplishments on behalf of every resident of New Jersey.”

Choose New Jersey president and CEO Wesley Mathews – “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. The Choose New Jersey team and I extend our condolences to the Oliver family and our colleagues in state government on such a tremendous loss. Lieutenant Governor Oliver was a public servant who served with honor and dignity every day of her career. A trailblazer and a true New Jerseyan, she exemplified what is possible, could relate to the social struggles of all cultures, and was an inspiration to many. We will miss seeing her smile, positive attitude, and her inspiring words to our team and our mission. May God bless her memory, her family, and may we all emulate the example of service and mission of our late Lieutenant Governor.”

United Way of Greater Newark – “The United Way of Greater Newark is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. As a daughter of Newark, her passion and commitment to residents of her hometown could be felt throughout the city for many decades. As an educator, she made sure the youngest residents received a high-quality preschool education when she served as the executive director of The Leaguers. She was a visionary and true leader and her talents lead her to hold esteemed county and state-level positions serving more people in the communities she served. As the first Black woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor, she made us all proud. Community was her passion and she fought tirelessly for equality in the areas of economic development and education. On this sad day, we stand United in honoring Sheila Y. Oliver for her illustrious career and immeasurable impact on our state and beyond.”

NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch – “The NAACP Oranges & Maplewood Branch is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our highly esteemed Life Member, the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver. Her trailblazing legacy of stewardship as a political leader and as a freedom fighter is unsurpassed. Her extraordinary legacy of achievement shall serve to inspire current and future generations to strive to continue to break barriers to address injustice and create opportunities to level the playing field in every facet of our society. Her warm, graceful presence and enduring fortitude shall be missed. We shall honor her memory by continuing our quest for justice and equality for communities of color and for all people. May she rest in power.”

Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia - “It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. A political force whose selfless dedication to our state and its people will be sorely missed, we will honor her memory and legacy by continuing the important work she began.”

Montclair Councilwoman Lori Price Abrams - “I’ve had the privilege to know Sheila Oliver through many of her roles in Essex County and in state government. It was a thrill to see this competent and caring woman operating in the halls of power, culminating in powerful roles, where she brought up other women with her and got things done. My last interactions with her were about improving food desert policies. The breadth of her character and her deep humanity, often with a candid welling of emotion, were always on display in her comments at the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial during the annual commemoration. I will miss her presence in public life.”

Health Professionals & Allied Employees - “The HPAE mourns the passing of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. As the first woman of color to serve in a statewide elected office in New Jersey’s history, Lt. Gov. Oliver fought for quality healthcare, women’s equality, and education. HPAE nurses and health professionals at University Hospital have a special appreciation for the support Lt. Gov. Oliver provided as she reinforced the commitments made to the community of Newark. Her experience and her personal connection to University Hospital motivated her to ensure that University Hospital would continue to serve not only as a premier healthcare provider, but also as an institution of learning that would train future generations of healthcare professionals. The HPAE will forever remember Lt. Gov. Oliver's commitment to the people of New Jersey and the millions of lives she impacted through her years of service in government.”

Jackie Cornell, executive director, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey - “The Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. Throughout her career, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was a steadfast champion for women and girls. During her time serving in the New Jersey State Assembly, including her term as Assembly Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Oliver fiercely advocated for reproductive health care access and state-level funding to support patients and services. Her commitment to reproductive health was unrelenting, as she pushed to restore family planning funding that was cut during the eight years of the Christie Administration. She leaves a trailblazing legacy of shattered glass ceilings in our state. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her, and will miss her example of steady and kind leadership and commitment to uplifting communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, staff and the many folks throughout the state that are grieving today.”

Alicka Ampry-Samuel, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – “New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver was a champion for affordable housing and an advocate for low-income residents and the most vulnerable. As Lt. Governor and especially as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, she was an extraordinary partner to HUD, sharing in HUD’s mission to lift families, children, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness in the state. Lt. Governor Oliver knew how to usher in significant change to achieve social justice and economic opportunity. She was a thoughtful advocate for disadvantaged communities. The HUD family in New Jersey offers our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and everyone fortunate to meet her and work alongside this extraordinary trailblazer.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. - “I am saddened by the passing of Sheila Oliver. I met Sheila over 50 years ago when we were both in high school. We worked together in County government and served together on the Board of Freeholders. Sheila was always someone I could turn to for help and her knowledge of government is extraordinary having served on every level of government. She broke barriers in Trenton to become our first Africa American Assembly Speaker and first African American Lieutenant Governor. More importantly, Sheila only cared about helping people and making the lives of those in need better. Sheila made a tremendous impact on Essex County and New Jersey, and I am going to miss her.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura – “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey Sheila Oliver. She was a dear friend and mentor to me for over 35 years. She will be greatly missed. I had the privilege of being on the ballot with Sheila on a few occasions. She took me by the hand and showed me how to campaign by being consistent with my messaging and by being true to myself and my convictions. No one worked harder than Sheila Oliver. She was a champion for her constituents.”

Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin – “Today is a sad day for Essex County and New Jersey. Sheila Oliver was a trailblazer who led with incomparable courage, empathy, and intellect. I had the honor of working with Sheila while I was Essex County’s Director of Human Resources and she was the Director of Essex County’s Citizen Services. Sheila was a fierce advocate for all people in need. Her grace at all times made her an inspiration to the thousands of people she touched and her legacy will live on through her powerful fight for fairness and equality.”

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill – “Lieutenant Gov. Sheila Oliver was a long-time, close and dear personal friend of mine, as well as an exemplary mentor and role model for public service for which she had no equal. I am profoundly, deeply saddened by her passing, and share the heartbreak, grief and loss being experienced now by her family, and all whose lives she touched. Sheila Oliver served as an Essex County Freeholder before her historic career in the New Jersey State Assembly, and I had the privilege of working on her campaigns. She was incredibly supportive to me and my career, as well as of my chairmanship of the Montclair Democratic County Committee, and I could always count on her to attend our events. My wife, Alixon, and I were very honored to have Sheila attend our wedding, where I inadvertently provided her with an opportunity to observe and critique my dancing. Sheila never again let an opportunity pass to remind me of my lack of talent, and woeful inferiority to Alixon, on the dance floor. These are my most cherished memories of our relationship. In 2017, I had the privilege to work with her on Gov. Phil Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign, which saw her groundbreaking election as Lieutenant Governor. Words fail to capture the enormity of who she was, what she achieved, or the sheer scope of her talent, skill and historic accomplishments. Sheila Oliver leaves behind an extraordinary, unmatched legacy of public service. Our deepest condolences to the Oliver family.”

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens – “I met the Lieutenant Governor in the 1990s. She was born in Newark and but moved to East Orange, where I’ve lived most of my life. We first met when Mayor Cardell Cooper appointed Sheila to the East Orange Board of Education. That was the beginning of an exemplary career in public service. I am deeply saddened by her passing. She had a unique ability to connect and empathize with her constituents, especially when they were going through trying times. It was not uncommon to see the Lieutenant Governor become emotional in her zeal for a topic for which she was concerned; almost always, it dealt with the plight of those who were experiencing distress and/or needed assistance. She was authentically moved and saddened by the loss and suffering faced by residents of our county and state. And now, I’m saddened by her loss. As the Lieutenant Governor, she combined seemingly mutually exclusive characteristics. She was a woman who was extremely committed and intelligent but knew how to disagree with people without necessarily being disagreeable. She was an excellent public official, but she was an even better person. And if that’s what people are left to remember about Sheila Oliver, then in my humble opinion that is a legacy worth remembering. Her passing is a loss for all of us. May she rest in eternal peace.”

Essex County Board of County Commissioners – “We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, an Essex County native, resident, former employee, and former freeholder. Her legacy stretches from the gold dome of Trenton to the kitchen tables of countless marginalized families she fought for in her decades of public service. The trails she blazed in government will help lead the way for young women, especially young women of color, for many years to come. It was evident in all she did that she truly cared for the everyday people of Essex County and the state. Our hearts and thoughts are with her loved ones on this difficult day.”

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