Flags Lowered Friday to Honor Monmouth Judge Lisa P. Thornton

FREEHOLD, NJ — Flags were lowered in front of the Monmouth County Courthouse and throughout the state on Friday to honor the late Assignment Judge Lisa Payne Thornton.

Thornton was Monmouth County's top judge, and Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday ordered the lowering of the flags.

Thornton, of Neptune, died on May 26 at age 59 after a decorated career in public service, the Governor's Office said.

On Friday, visitation was held for the judge at Brookdale Community College, Robert J. Collins Arena, 765 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft in Middletown, according to funeral arrangements published by Damiano Funeral Home of Long Branch.

Visitation will continue on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 93 Liberty St., Long Branch, according to the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport. A link to the funeral service is included in the announcement from the funeral home.

"Lisa was a woman of faith and a devout member of the Second Baptist Church in Long Branch. She lived her life with a deep sense of purpose, and her contributions made through a stellar career in law and public service will never be forgotten," her obituary reads, in part.

Thornton, raised in Long Branch, was appointed a Superior Court judge by Governor Jon Corzine in 2008 and, most recently, served as the Monmouth County Assignment Judge.

Murphy spoke about Thornton's contributions in a statement:

“For more than two decades, the State of New Jersey and its local communities benefited tremendously from Judge Thornton’s dedicated public service and legal acumen,” said Murphy.

“As the first Black woman to serve as an Assignment Judge in New Jersey history, she will be remembered not only as a talented judge but as an inspiring trailblazer in her field. It is with great sadness that we mourn Judge Thornton's passing and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.