Judge Lisa Thornton Memorial Hall Unveiled At Courthouse In Freehold

FREEHOLD, NJ – The most visible entrance to the Monmouth County Courthouse has now officially been named in memory of an unforgettable jurist - the Hon. Lisa P. Thornton.

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, with the Monmouth Vicinage and the Monmouth County Bar Association, unveiled the west entrance/security vestibule of the Monmouth County Courthouse as the Honorable Lisa P. Thornton Memorial Hall during a ceremony this week.

“With today’s honor and others, Judge Lisa Thornton will continue to inspire generations of students, lawyers and judges,” said Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner.

Thornton, of Neptune, died May 26 after 15 years on the bench, the last nine as assignment judge for Monmouth County. She was the first Black woman in New Jersey named to that role.

Her unexpected death at age 59 stunned the state's legal community.

“Thank you to all who came here today. I am so grateful she was in my life,” said Kent Thornton, nephew of Judge Thornton. “This is the house she built. I am glad the county sees that and thank you for honoring her today.”

Kent Thornton is a detective in the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, sworn in by his aunt, recalled Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago when he offered condolences last May to the judge's family and others.

A remembrance inscribed in the hall says: "More than a gifted judge, inspiring trailblazer, and natural leader, Lisa Thornton made this world better through her words and deeds."

And Monmouth County Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc C. Lemieux, named to fill her position last June 28, recalled her trailblazing accomplishments.

“Judge Thornton was the first African American female assignment Judge in New Jersey history and when you consider the challenges she conquered on her way to that distinction it is truly astounding,” said Lemieux in comments at the dedication March 13.

“This hall now memorializes Judge Thornton’s contribution to the rich history of this courthouse and to the profession. It is a lasting honor to her memory, a joyful reminder to those of us lucky to have known her and ensures that future generations of lawyers and citizens will be introduced to her.”

The dedication was an opportunity to "honor and exemplify for all the merit of a life committed to service, and to exalt a selfless soul,” said Monmouth County Bar Association President M. Scott Tashjy. “Dedication to service and selfless leadership will be Judge Thornton’s lasting legacy.”

And Board Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone recalled Thornton's personal touch.

“I would meet regularly with Judge Thornton, and she was kind, and she would walk in the room and give you a hug, then sit down and it was all business,” he said. "This dedication is something she would never have asked for, but it is so well deserved.”

The dedication ceremony was live-streamed on the Monmouth County Government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel. For more information about Monmouth County, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.