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Dear GSBA Members and Friends,
The Garden State Bar Association mourns the loss of the Honorable Lisa Thornton A.J.S.C. The members of the GSBA extend their sincere condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Judge Thornton on her passing. We pray for comfort, peace and hope in this difficult moment.
Among her many accomplishments, Judge Thornton made history as the first Black woman who became an assignment judge in New Jersey’s court system. She was a trailblazer, a brilliant judge and leader who made a profound impact on the legal community and beyond.
Let us honor the memory of Judge Thornton by continuing to excel in our practices, having a kind word ready to be shared with those around us, and lifting up the next generation as we go along. May we be inspired by her life to continue to bring light to this world.
Garden State Bar Association
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History making Monmouth County judge Lisa Thornton
First Black woman assignment judge
"The history making judge was the first Black woman who became an assignment judge in the state’s modern court system.
In 2014, after Thornton was appointed to her position, she said, “I know that well before me there were many talented and brilliant African American women. The question is: Why am I the first? Why didn’t it happen before?”
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Monmouth County Assignment Judge had been on the bench since 2008
“Judge Thornton is singularly the reason why Monmouth has a full judiciary and the reputation of being the best in the state. I will miss her greatly. She is a trailblazer and will go down in Monmouth County history as one of the greatest,” State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) said. “I and so many others across Monmouth County loved her deeply. Her life and legacy will live on in so many she impacted each and every day.”
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'Trailblazer' NJ County Assignment Judge
"The New Jersey judge who helmed the Monmouth County vicinage, and who was the first Black woman assignment jurist on the state's bench."
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Monmouth County Assignment Judge, Called 'Inspiring Trailblazer'
“Lisa Thornton was more than a gifted judge, inspiring trailblazer, and natural leader," New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Stuart Rabner said. "She was brilliant and plainspoken, insightful and honest, direct and witty, and a selfless friend. Judge Thornton also cared deeply about making this a better world through her words and deeds. Her sudden passing is a loss to the judiciary and to humanity.”
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Statement of NJSBA President Timothy F. McGoughran on the death of Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton
"The entire NJSBA family grieves the sudden and unexpected loss of Superior Court Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton and sends our deepest condolences to her family in this difficult time. She was a trailblazer in the legal community, leading at all times with integrity, passion and heart."
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In Memory of Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton
"Judge Thornton was our leader, our colleague and most importantly our friend. I smile when I think about her life, her journey, and her connections to all of us. Maya Angelou stated, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Lisa Thornton made us feel special. She was a natural leader. Intelligent, honest, hardworking, personable, and funny. I will always remember her forthrightness, character, and charm. She touched many of us and we are better people because of it.” Judge Glenn A. Grant, Administrative Director of the Courts
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VISITATION
Friday
June 9, 2023
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738
VISITATION
Saturday
June 10, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
93 Liberty Street
LONG BRANCH, NJ 07740
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
June 10, 2023
11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
93 Liberty Street
LONG BRANCH, NJ 07740
INTERMENT
Woodbine Cemetery
1173 Eatontown Blvd.
OCEANPORT, NJ 07757
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The GSBA is New Jersey's oldest and largest professional organization for African American judges, lawyers and law students. Since 1975, the GSBA has continuously assisted African-Americans and other ethnic minorities in becoming an effective part of the judicial and legal systems. The Association also seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, improve the administration of justice, support initiatives designed to improve economic condition of all individuals, and eliminate discrimination and inequality based on racial, ethnic or sexual considerations. For more information about the GSBA, including how to join the organization and renew membership, please visit our website at https://www.gardenstatebar.org/
Natalya G. Johnson
GSBA President
James A. Lewis, President-Elect | Kenya Tyson, Vice President
Candace Johnson, Treasurer | Joel Clymer, Secretary
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