Have you ever wondered about the woman who once stood beside one of the most powerful men in the U.S. legal world? Her name is Kathy Ambush, and she was the first wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. While Clarence Thomas has been in the spotlight for decades, Kathy chose a different path—one filled with peace, quiet strength, and a life lived mostly outside the public eye.
In this article, we’ll explore Kathy Ambush’s full story. We’ll look at her early life, her education, how she met Clarence Thomas, their marriage, their divorce, and her quiet success after they parted ways. By the end, you’ll see that Kathy Ambush is much more than just Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife—she’s a strong, inspiring woman with a story worth telling.
Kathy Ambush Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kathy Grace Ambush |
| Also Known As | Kathy Grace Smith |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1950 |
| Age (2026) | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African‑American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Ex‑Husband | Clarence Thomas |
| Second Husband | Douglas Allen Smith (d. 2023) |
| Children | 1 son – Jamal Adeen Thomas |
| Education | Anna Maria College, Lincoln University |
| Profession | Mentor, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Clarence Thomas’ ex‑wife |
| Net Worth | Around $2 million |
| Residence | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
Early Life and Family of Kathy Ambush
Kathy Ambush was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 6, 1950. She grew up in a warm and hardworking family. Her father, Nelson William Ambush, worked as a dental technician and was also a respected civil rights activist. Her mother, Shigao Gladys Sato, took care of the home until she passed away in 1984.
Kathy wasn’t an only child. She had a large family that included four siblings—Stephen, Benjamin, June, and Karen Thande—and two half-siblings, Sydney Schuyler and Valerie Wilson, from her father’s second marriage. Her father lived a long life and passed away in 2012 at the age of 96.
Being raised in a family that valued faith, education, and community helped shape who Kathy became. Her father taught her to stand strong in the face of challenges, and those lessons would later serve her well.
Kathy Ambush’s Education Journey
Kathy always took school seriously. She started at St. Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School, where she was known for being both smart and kind. After high school, she went to Anna Maria College in Massachusetts to study Sociology.
A few years later, she continued her education at Lincoln University in Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1977. But she didn’t stop there. She also trained in radio broadcasting at the Broadcast Centre in St. Louis. This training helped her become a strong communicator, which was useful in her later career in public relations and nonprofit work.
Her love of learning and her focus on communication helped her make a difference in every job she took on.
How Kathy Ambush Met Clarence Thomas
The love story between Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas began in college. It was the late 1960s, and Kathy was a student at Anna Maria College. Clarence was attending the College of the Holy Cross, just a few miles away.
They met in 1969 through mutual friends. The connection was quick, and just a week after meeting, they started dating. It was a young love, full of promise. Clarence was focused and ambitious, while Kathy was calm, supportive, and grounded. They were a strong match—at least for a while.
Their relationship quickly grew serious, and soon they were thinking about building a future together.
Marriage to Clarence Thomas
On June 5, 1971, Kathy and Clarence got married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was a small, private wedding surrounded by family and friends.
After the wedding, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence began studying law at Yale University. Kathy supported him during those years. Money was tight, and life wasn’t easy. But they worked as a team—he focused on his studies, and she helped hold things together at home.
Their early years were full of hope and hard work. They believed they could build a strong life together, and for a while, it looked like they might.
Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas’ Divorce
Sadly, things didn’t stay happy forever. After more than a decade together, their marriage started to fall apart. In 1981, they separated. Their divorce was finalized in 1984.
Why did it end? Neither Kathy nor Clarence has said much publicly. But over time, some reasons came to light. Clarence wrote in his memoir that he struggled with alcohol and money problems. Other reports said he may have had an affair with a woman named Lillian McEwen, who later spoke publicly about their relationship.
At the same time, Kathy was going through her own challenges. In 1984—the same year her marriage ended—her mother passed away. It was a painful time. But through it all, Kathy stayed quiet, private, and strong. She chose peace over drama.
Their Son, Who Is Jamal Adeen Thomas?
Kathy and Clarence had one child together—a son named Jamal Adeen Thomas, born on February 15, 1973, at Yale New Haven Hospital.
When they divorced, Clarence won full custody. Jamal mostly lived with his father but remained close to his mother. Kathy stayed involved in his life and supported him however she could.
Jamal didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps into law. Instead, he studied Economics and Business at Virginia Military Institute. Today, he works in finance and lives a quiet, professional life in Richmond, Virginia—just like his mom.
Kathy Ambush’s Career and Work Life
After her divorce from Clarence Thomas, Kathy Ambush focused fully on her own goals. She had already worked in several respected places and kept growing her career in the years that followed.
From 1979 to 1984, she worked in Washington, D.C., as a communications specialist for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). In that role, she helped with radio messages and organized events for members of Congress. It was a big job, and she handled it well.
Later, Kathy served as Director of the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program at Milton Academy. There, she helped young students get better learning experiences. She also worked at BankBoston as a Community Relations Specialist, where she led volunteer programs and even wrote speeches for company leaders. From 2002 to 2018, she served as Assistant Director and Director of Development at The Immigrant Learning Center, where she helped raise money and provide free English classes for new immigrants. It was clear she cared deeply about helping people.
What Is Kathy Ambush Doing Now?
So, what happened to Kathy Ambush after all of that? Well, she didn’t stop working just because she retired from full-time jobs. Instead, she found new ways to give back.
Today, Kathy Ambush calls herself a life mentor and entrepreneur. She helps others build better lives through coaching, speaking, and personal guidance. She uses her own story—full of ups and downs—to teach others how to move forward with strength and purpose.
She’s also part of Global Internet Entrepreneur, a group that supports online businesses and wellness. On her LinkedIn page, she shares this message:
“Life is about reinventing oneself. I take great pleasure in mentoring ambitious people who want a coach to help them connect the dots to their Best Life!”
Kathy also worked with Amway to promote healthy living. Even in her 70s, she’s still active, positive, and focused on growth. That’s what makes her journey so inspiring.
Kathy Ambush’s Second Marriage and Life in Virginia
After her divorce from Clarence Thomas, Kathy didn’t stay single forever. She later married Douglas Allen Smith, a kind and successful businessman. Douglas worked in software and transportation. He started several companies, including The Boston Auto Advocate and Sterling Transportation.
The couple lived in Richmond, Virginia, and enjoyed many peaceful years together. They stayed out of the public eye and built a calm, simple life based on love, faith, and service.
Sadly, Douglas passed away on September 1, 2023. It was a deep loss for Kathy. But just like before, she stayed strong and continued to live with grace and purpose.
Kathy Ambush’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2026, Kathy Ambush’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. She built this over many years working in public relations, nonprofit programs, and as a mentor and entrepreneur.
Even though she has earned well, Kathy lives a simple life. She doesn’t show off or chase fame. She focuses on helping others, staying healthy, and living peacefully in her Richmond home.
Kathy’s story reminds us that success doesn’t always mean being on TV or in the news. Sometimes, success means living quietly with meaning and love.
Final Thoughts
So, what really happened to Kathy Ambush, Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife?
She walked through hard times, including a public divorce, personal loss, and major life changes. But she never gave up. Instead, she worked hard, raised a strong son, helped others, and built a life of her own.
Kathy Ambush may have once been known mostly as Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife, but today, she stands for something even greater. She shows us how to keep going, stay kind, and build a better life no matter what.
Her story is a quiet but powerful one—full of strength, dignity, and hope.
(FAQs)
How old is Kathy Ambush now?
She was born on June 6, 1950. That means she is 76 years old in 2026.
Is Kathy Ambush part of a political party?
She worked with Republican leaders in the past, so she is likely connected to the Republican Party.
Does Kathy Ambush have any children?
Yes, she has one son named Jamal Adeen Thomas. He works in finance and lives a quiet life.
Why did Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas break up?
They divorced in 1984. Clarence had money problems, drinking issues, and a rumored affair. Kathy never spoke badly about him.
Where is Kathy Ambush now and how rich is she?
She lives a quiet life in Richmond, Virginia. Her net worth is around $2 million.
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