Memorial To Late Judge Planned For Courthouse Hall In Freehold

FREEHOLD, NJ — The west entrance of the Monmouth County Courthouse will be named the Honorable Lisa P. Thornton Memorial Hall to honor the late assignment judge, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced.

“Judge Thornton was a remarkable public servant,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Not only did she reshape the Monmouth Vicinage, but her willingness to partner with the county to create programs to assist those in need showed her incredible level of compassion.”

The dedication is in partnership with the Monmouth Vicinage and the Monmouth Bar Association, the county said.

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.

New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said at the time: "The Monmouth Vicinage and the State Judiciary lost a true leader. We miss Judge Thornton’s indomitable spirit and know that her influence and vision will continue to guide the work of the vicinage for years to come."

The entrance hall dedication is planned for a future date this spring, the county said at the recent announcement.

Not only will her name appear on the wall, but also a remembrance will be inscribed there, saying: "More than a gifted judge, inspiring trailblazer, and natural leader, Lisa Thornton made this world better through her words and deeds."

Monmouth County Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc C. Lemieux, named to the position on June 28 of last year, also spoke of Thornton:

“We are grateful to the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and all of our county partners for honoring our beloved Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton by dedicating the entrance of our Monmouth County Courthouse to her memory and her remarkable heart and soul,” Lemieux said.

“Every day I am reminded of my friend Judge Thornton and how she greeted her colleagues, attorneys and members of the community with her signature joy and warmth and made all feel welcome.

"Now and forevermore, as court users enter our Courthouse seeking justice, they too will be reminded of how much she cared about them and the community that we serve,” he said.

Other county officials also commented on the plans for the dedication:

The tribute "is a beautiful way to honor a special woman who will always be an inspiration and role model for others,” said Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden referred to Thornton's "assistance and support of the Law Enforcement Division’s Court Security Unit and beyond."

New Jersey Judiciary Acting Administrative Director of the Courts Glenn A. Grant acknowledged the county's plans on behalf of the state judiciary.

“The Judge was an extraordinary jurist and more importantly a wonderful person. The county government must be commended for recognizing this native daughter of Monmouth County in this special way,” he said.