You may have heard of Clarence Thomas, one of the most talked-about U.S. Supreme Court Justices. But do you know about Kathy Ambush, the woman who was once by his side during the early years of his career?
Kathy Ambush is Clarence Thomas’ first wife. They were married for over a decade and even had a son together. But after their divorce in the 1980s, Kathy chose a very different path — a quiet life away from the spotlight.
So, where is Kathy Ambush now? What happened after her high-profile marriage ended? In this article, we’ll explore her early life, marriage, career, and the new chapter she built on her own. Let’s dive into her story.
Kathy Ambush Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kathy Grace Ambush (now Kathy Grace Smith) |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1950 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Ex-Husband | Clarence Thomas (1971–1984) |
| Second Husband | Douglas Allen Smith (died 2023) |
| Children | 1 son – Jamal Adeen Thomas |
| Education | Lincoln University, Anna Maria College, Broadcast Centre |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Public Relations Expert |
| Current Residence | Chesterfield, Virginia, USA |
Who Is Kathy Ambush?
Kathy Ambush is best known as the first wife of Clarence Thomas, who became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1991. But Kathy is much more than just an “ex-wife.” She is also a strong, smart woman with a life full of her own achievements.
She built a career in public relations and community work and later became an entrepreneur and mentor. While Clarence became a public figure, Kathy stayed mostly private, choosing a simpler life focused on helping others.
Kathy Ambush’s Early Life and Family
Kathy Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Her full name is Kathy Grace Ambush, and she comes from a big, loving family.
Her father, Nelson William Ambush, worked as a dental technician and was a respected civil rights activist in his community. Her mother was Shigao Gladys Sato, and Kathy was raised with four siblings — Stephen, Benjamin, June, and Karen — as well as two step-siblings from her dad’s second marriage.
Kathy’s childhood was filled with strong values, education, and community support. Her family believed in hard work, respect, and helping others — values that would later shape Kathy’s career.
Her Education Journey
Kathy Ambush was always a dedicated student. She attended St. Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School, where she first showed interest in communication and helping people.
In 1968, she enrolled at Anna Maria College, where she studied sociology for two years. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University in Missouri — a historically Black university.
Wanting to explore media and broadcasting, she also trained at the Broadcast Centre in St. Louis, completing a radio broadcasting course in 1979. Her education was a mix of business, media, and social work — a strong foundation for her future career.
Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas’ Marriage
Kathy met Clarence Thomas in the late 1960s when both were in college. Clarence was at College of the Holy Cross, and Kathy was studying nearby. Their connection grew quickly, and they started dating not long after meeting.
The couple got married on June 5, 1971, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester. Soon after, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence studied law at Yale University.
In 1973, they welcomed their only child, Jamal Adeen Thomas. During these years, Kathy supported Clarence as he worked his way up in politics and law. They were seen as a promising young couple working toward a better future.
What Caused Their Divorce?
At first, everything looked fine from the outside. But over time, cracks began to show in the marriage.
Clarence reportedly struggled with drinking, debt, and financial stress, especially during law school. Some reports also mentioned infidelity, including an affair with a woman named Lillian McEwen, who later shared her own story publicly.
The stress of money problems and personal struggles began to pull them apart. In 1981, after ten years of marriage, Kathy and Clarence separated. Their divorce was finalized in 1984, the same year Kathy lost her mother.
Even though their relationship ended, Kathy continued to raise her son with love and grace, while Clarence moved on to a new chapter in politics and law.
Kathy Ambush’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Kathy Ambush chose a peaceful and private life. She did not chase fame or talk publicly about her marriage. Instead, she focused on her own growth, her career, and raising her son.
She stayed away from media attention and worked quietly to build a life of meaning and purpose. While Clarence Thomas became a household name, Kathy stayed true to her values — privacy, faith, and community.
Kathy Ambush’s Career and Achievements
After her divorce from Clarence Thomas, Kathy Ambush focused on building her career. She didn’t try to be famous. Instead, she wanted to do work that helped people and made a difference.
Kathy worked in public relations, education, and community programs. She started as a communications specialist for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) in Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1984. She helped plan events and worked on radio content for members of Congress.
Later, she moved into education and nonprofit work. She became the Director of the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program (MASP) at Milton Academy, helping young students succeed in their studies. She also worked at BankBoston as a Community Relations Specialist and at The Immigrant Learning Centre, where she helped raise funds for free English classes for immigrants.
Kathy Ambush’s Second Marriage and New Chapter
Years after her first marriage ended, Kathy found love again. She married Douglas Allen Smith, a kind and hardworking man from New York. Douglas worked in many fields — including software support, transportation, and business. He even started his own companies like The Boston Auto Advocate and Sterling Transportation.
Together, Kathy and Douglas built a happy life in Chesterfield, Virginia. They supported each other and enjoyed a peaceful life outside the public eye.
Sadly, Douglas passed away in September 2023. Kathy was left widowed again. But even after this loss, she stayed strong and continued living with grace and purpose.
Where Is Kathy Ambush Now?
So, where is Kathy Ambush now in 2026?
She is still living in Chesterfield, Virginia, also sometimes listed as Richmond in public records. She goes by the name Kathy Grace Smith, using her second husband’s last name.
Kathy lives a private and peaceful life. She is not active on Instagram, Twitter, or other public platforms. However, she has a quiet presence on LinkedIn where she shares her role as a mentor and entrepreneur.
She now spends her time helping others — coaching people on how to live a better life, find success, and reach their goals. Her favorite quote on her page says:
“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!”
Her Relationship With Her Son, Jamal Adeen Thomas
Kathy and Clarence had one son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, born in 1973. When the couple divorced, Clarence got full custody, and Jamal mostly grew up with his father.
Still, Jamal is said to have a strong bond with both parents. He often speaks kindly about his mom and dad. He is now a grown man, working as a financial expert. He serves as a Director of Supervision at a top financial firm in Richmond, Virginia — close to where Kathy lives.
Jamal has worked with many top companies, including Wells Fargo, BB&T, and Northwestern Mutual. While he has stayed out of politics and public attention, he continues to live a calm, successful life.
How Kathy Ambush Lives Her Life Today
Kathy Ambush is now 75 years old, but she still enjoys working, guiding others, and giving back to the community. She lives simply and keeps things private. She isn’t in the news or on TV. And that’s exactly how she likes it.
She spends her time mentoring, running her own small business, and staying connected with people who want to grow. She uses her years of experience in PR, education, and nonprofit work to help others “connect the dots” — just like she says on her page.
Even after two big life changes — her divorce and becoming a widow — Kathy Ambush continues to live with dignity, strength, and kindness.
Final Thoughts
When people hear the name Kathy Ambush, they often think of her as Clarence Thomas’s ex-wife. But her story is so much more than that.
She was part of his journey in the beginning, but after the marriage ended, she built a beautiful life of her own. She raised her son, helped many communities, built a career, found love again, and kept going — even after loss.
Now, in 2026, Kathy Ambush lives quietly in Virginia, still making a difference in people’s lives. She shows us that you can move forward, even after tough times, and create a life filled with purpose, peace, and pride.
(FAQs)
How old is Kathy Ambush, and when is her birthday?
Kathy Ambush was born on June 6, 1950. She is 75 years old as of 2026.
Is Kathy Ambush part of a political party?
No. Even though she once worked in Washington, D.C., Kathy Ambush has never said she belongs to any political party.
How many children does Kathy Ambush have?
Kathy Ambush has one child only. Her son’s name is Jamal Adeen Thomas, born in 1973.
What is Kathy Ambush’s net worth?
Kathy Ambush’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. She earned this from her own work, not from Clarence Thomas.
When did Kathy Ambush marry and divorce Clarence Thomas?
Kathy Ambush married Clarence Thomas on June 5, 1971. They separated in 1981 and officially divorced in 1984.
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