Clarence Thomas’ Ex-Wife Kathy Ambush: Her Life Before and After Divorce

When people hear the name Clarence Thomas, they often think of the U.S. Supreme Court. But behind every public figure, there is a personal story. One part of that story belongs to Kathy Ambush, Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife.

Kathy has lived most of her life away from the cameras, quietly building her own path. Still, many people wonder — who is she, what was her life like before the divorce, and where is she now?

In this article, we’ll look closely at Kathy’s early life, her family background, her years with Clarence Thomas, and how she built a peaceful life after their separation. Her story is simple, real, and full of strength.

Kathy Ambush Quick Bio

Early Life of Kathy Ambush

Kathy Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She grew up in a loving and hardworking family. Her father, Nelson William Ambush, was a well-known dental technician and also a civil rights activist. He believed in equality and worked hard to make life fairer for everyone in his community.

Her mother, Shigao Gladys Sato, took care of the home and supported her family until her passing in 1984. Kathy often looked up to her parents for their kindness and determination. Those values shaped her life.

Kathy had several siblings — Stephen, Benjamin, Karen Thande, and June Ambush — and two step-siblings, Sydney Schuyler and Valerie Wilson, from her father’s second marriage. They all grew up close, helping and motivating one another.

Family of Kathy Ambush

The Ambush family was deeply respected in their community. Kathy’s father wasn’t just a dental expert — he was also active in social and church organizations. He worked with groups like the William Monroe Trotter Club and the Cambridge Community Center Forum, fighting against racial discrimination.

Growing up in such an environment taught Kathy the importance of service, kindness, and education. Her family believed that success didn’t just come from hard work, but also from helping others.

Even today, those who knew Nelson Ambush describe him as a kind man who cared deeply for his family and community. Kathy inherited that same caring nature and quiet strength.

Kathy Ambush’s Education Journey

Kathy was always a bright student. She first attended St. Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School, where she did well in her studies and was known for her friendly personality.

After finishing school, she continued her education at Anna Maria College, studying Sociology. Later, she went to Lincoln University in Missouri, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration between 1975 and 1977.

Kathy didn’t stop there. She also attended the Broadcast Centre in St. Louis and completed a course in radio broadcasting in 1979. Her interest in communication and business showed her love for learning new things — something that followed her throughout her career.

How Kathy Ambush Met Clarence Thomas

Kathy met Clarence Thomas in 1969 when both were in college. They were introduced by mutual friends. At that time, Clarence was studying at the College of the Holy Cross, while Kathy was attending Anna Maria College, both in Massachusetts.

They connected quickly. Kathy was calm, supportive, and grounded, while Clarence was focused and ambitious. Within a week of meeting, they started dating, and their bond grew stronger over time.

Their story was like that of many young couples — full of hope and dreams. They believed in building a life together and supporting each other’s goals.

Marriage to Clarence Thomas

Kathy and Clarence got married on June 5, 1971, at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was a beautiful and simple ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

After their wedding, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence began studying law at Yale Law School. Life wasn’t easy — money was tight, and Clarence was still a student. But Kathy stood by his side through it all. She supported the household while he focused on his studies.

Their love was real, but life was challenging. They worked hard to make ends meet and tried to stay positive through financial struggles. Like many young couples, they dreamed of a stable and happy future.

Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas’ Life Together

In 1973, Kathy and Clarence welcomed their only child, Jamal Adeen Thomas. Becoming parents changed their lives completely. Jamal became their main focus, and Kathy dedicated much of her time to raising him.

During this period, Clarence was working hard to build his career, taking government jobs and trying to pay off his student loans. Kathy balanced family life and work responsibilities, helping her husband stay focused.

However, as years went by, their marriage faced problems. Reports later mentioned Clarence’s struggle with alcohol and financial stress. According to some accounts, he even used parts of his student loans to pay for his drinking habits, which led to more debt and arguments.

Despite the challenges, Kathy kept trying to hold the family together. But sometimes, love and patience aren’t enough when life becomes too heavy.

Why Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas Divorced

By 1981, their relationship had reached a breaking point. Clarence’s career was beginning to move forward, but his personal life was falling apart. There were reports of an affair during this time, and his drinking problem continued to affect their home life.

Kathy decided it was time to step away. The couple officially separated in 1981, and their divorce was finalized in 1984. That same year, Kathy also lost her mother, making it an especially painful time in her life.

Though the reasons behind their split were deeply personal, it’s clear that Kathy handled it with grace. She chose privacy over publicity, peace over conflict. While Clarence Thomas later remarried, Kathy began a quiet journey of rebuilding her life.

Clarence Thomas’ Ex-Wife Kathy Ambush: Life After Divorce

After the divorce in 1984, Kathy Ambush chose to live a quiet and peaceful life. She changed her last name to Kathy Grace Smith after marrying again. Her second husband was Douglas Allen Smith, a kind man who worked in software, transportation, and business.

Kathy and Douglas lived in Richmond, Virginia, and were happy together for many years. Sadly, Douglas passed away in September 2023. His passing was another big loss in Kathy’s life, but she remained strong. She continued to focus on helping others and living a calm, meaningful life.

Kathy did not chase fame or attention after her first marriage ended. Instead, she focused on being true to herself.

Kathy Ambush’s Career and Work Life

Even before and after her time with Clarence Thomas, Kathy had a strong work ethic. She worked in many roles over the years and always gave her best. In Washington, D.C., she worked for the National Republican Congressional Committee, where she helped plan events and worked on radio communications.

Later, she served as Director of the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program at Milton Academy. She also worked as a Community Relations Specialist at BankBoston, where she organized events and wrote speeches. Her work showed her talent for communication and her love for helping others.

She later joined The Immigrant Learning Center, where she helped raise money and supported free English classes for immigrants. Today, Kathy describes herself as a mentor and entrepreneur. She uses her experience to coach others on how to live their best life.

Kathy Ambush’s Son: Jamal Adeen Thomas

Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas have one son together — Jamal Adeen Thomas, born in 1973. When they divorced, Clarence got full custody of Jamal. Jamal grew up mostly with his father but stayed close to his mother.

Today, Jamal is doing very well. He studied at Fork Union Military Academy and then went to the Virginia Military Institute. He chose a different path than his father. Instead of law or politics, he went into finance and business.

Jamal has worked at several big firms, like Wells Fargo, Wachovia Securities, and BB&T Scott & Stringfellow. As of now, he works as the Director of Supervision at John F. Van Der Hyde & Associates, which is part of Northwestern Mutual. Like his mom, he also lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Where Is Kathy Ambush Now?

As of 2025, Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife Kathy Ambush continues to live in Richmond, Virginia. She enjoys her privacy but also shares helpful and kind messages on social media, using the name Kathy Grace Smith.

She spends her time helping people grow through coaching and mentoring. Kathy believes in starting over and encourages others to build the life they want. On her LinkedIn, she writes:

“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!”

Even though she was once married to a Supreme Court Justice, Kathy built her own identity. Her story shows that life can still be full and meaningful after a difficult chapter.

What We Can Learn from Kathy Ambush’s Story

Kathy Ambush’s life teaches us many things. She went through a high-profile marriage, a hard divorce, and big life changes. But through it all, she stayed strong, kind, and focused on what mattered — family, faith, and growth.

She didn’t let her past define her. Instead, she created her own future. She became a voice for learning, growth, and helping others. She also raised a successful son who speaks highly of both his parents.

In a world full of loud headlines, Kathy chose peace. That makes her story both rare and powerful.

Final Thoughts

Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife, Kathy Ambush, may have started her public journey as the wife of a future Supreme Court Justice, but her real story is about strength, kindness, and building a life of her own.

She worked hard, stayed humble, and helped others — all while choosing a quiet life away from fame. In 2025, her journey still inspires those who believe in second chances, fresh starts, and the power of being true to yourself.

If there’s one thing we can all take from Kathy’s story, it’s this: you can begin again, and you can do it with grace.

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