Body of Okla. Civil Rights Activist Lies in State (Jun 16, 2011) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The body of Oklahoma civil rights activist Clara Luper has been brought to the state Capitol to lie in state. A brown wooden casket containing Luper's body was placed in the Capitol's first-floor rotunda Thursday. It's flanked by the American and Oklahoma flags and two Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers. A military honor guard stands nearby.Friends and family members accompanied Luper's body, and dozens of mourners paid their respects. Her body will lie in state until 4 p.m. Thursday. Luper died June 8 at the age of 88. She's best known for leading a group of three adult chaperones and 14 students during a sit in at the Katz Drug Store lunch counter in Oklahoma City in August 1958. Funeral services are scheduled Friday at the Cox Convention Center. « back |