Have you ever wondered about the woman who was once married to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas? Her name is Kathy Ambush, and even though she’s not in the news or on TV, her life has an interesting story. She was part of Clarence Thomas’s early journey, but later chose a much quieter life.
People often ask: Where is Kathy now? What happened after her divorce? What kind of life does she live today? In this article, we’ll walk through her full story — from her early days, to her marriage, career, family, and the strong and peaceful life she has built today.
Kathy Ambush Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kathy Grace Ambush |
| Also Known As | Kathy Grace Smith |
| Birthdate | June 6, 1950 |
| Age (2026) | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Douglas Allen Smith) |
| Ex-Husband | Clarence Thomas |
| Child | Jamal Adeen Thomas |
| Education | Anna Maria College, Lincoln Univ., Broadcast Centre |
| Career Background | PR Expert, Nonprofit Director |
| Current Role | Entrepreneur & Life Mentor |
| Residence | Chesterfield, Virginia, USA |
| Net Worth (2026) | $2 million |
Kathy Ambush’s Early Life and Family
Kathy Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She grew up in a big and loving family. Her father, Nelson William Ambush, worked as a dental technician and was also a civil rights activist. He cared deeply about helping his community and fighting for equal rights. Her mother, Shigao Gladys Sato, passed away in 1984.
Kathy had a total of six siblings — some full siblings and some half-siblings from her father’s second marriage. Their names include Benjamin, Stephen, June, Karen Thande, Valerie Wilson, and Sydney Schuyler. Growing up, Kathy was surrounded by strong family values, education, and a desire to do good in the world. These early lessons shaped her into the kind and thoughtful woman she became.
How Kathy Ambush Met Clarence Thomas
Kathy met Clarence Thomas while they were both in college. Kathy was studying sociology at Anna Maria College, and Clarence was a student at Holy Cross College. They were introduced through mutual friends and quickly became close.
Their relationship grew fast. They had a lot in common — both were focused on school, came from hardworking families, and wanted to make a difference. It wasn’t long before they fell in love. Their bond seemed strong and full of hope for the future.
Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas’ Wedding and Marriage
Kathy and Clarence got married on June 5, 1971, in a small church ceremony at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester. It was a simple but beautiful wedding. Soon after, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence began studying law at Yale University.
During those early years, Kathy stood by Clarence as he worked his way through school and started his legal career. In 1973, they welcomed their only child, Jamal Adeen Thomas. As a young couple, they shared big dreams, but life wasn’t always easy. There were financial struggles, stress, and growing differences.
Challenges in Their Marriage and Why They Divorced
As the years went on, things became harder between Kathy and Clarence. Reports say that Clarence had drinking problems, and their relationship began to fall apart. There were also rumors of an affair with another woman, which made things worse.
In 1981, they decided to separate, and by 1984, they were officially divorced. Kathy never shared the full story publicly. She chose to stay silent and keep her personal life private. She quietly stepped away from the spotlight and focused on her own path. Clarence kept custody of their son, and Kathy moved on with strength and grace.
Who Is Kathy Ambush’s Son, Jamal Adeen Thomas?
Kathy’s only child, Jamal Adeen Thomas, was born on February 15, 1973, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He grew up mostly with his father, Clarence, but Kathy always remained involved in his life. Even after the divorce, she stayed close and supportive.
Jamal did not follow his father into law. Instead, he chose a career in finance. He studied economics and business at the Virginia Military Institute. As of 2025, he works as the Director of Supervision at Northwestern Mutual’s Potomac Group. Like his mom, Jamal lives a quiet and professional life in Richmond, Virginia, far from the spotlight.
Kathy Ambush’s Education and Skills
Kathy was always serious about her education. She started at St. Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School, a private Catholic school in her hometown. After that, she joined Anna Maria College, where she studied Sociology from 1968 to 1970.
Later, she continued her studies at Lincoln University in Missouri and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration by 1977. But Kathy didn’t stop there. She also trained in radio broadcasting at the Broadcast Centre in St. Louis between 1978 and 1979. These skills helped her build a strong career in communication and public service.
Kathy Ambush’s Long Career in Public Service
Kathy started her career in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1979 to 1985. She helped organize events, wrote scripts for radio messages, and supported political leaders behind the scenes.
Later, she moved into the education world. From 1990 to 1994, she worked at Milton Academy in Massachusetts, leading the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program, which helped young students grow and learn. From 1998 to 2002, she joined BankBoston as a Community Relations Specialist, where she planned events and wrote speeches for public events. She also worked with The Immigrant Learning Centre between 2002 and 2018, helping raise money and support free English classes for new immigrants.
What Kathy Ambush Does Today
Today, Kathy Ambush—now known as Kathy Grace Smith—lives a peaceful and meaningful life. Even though she’s no longer in the public eye, she still works quietly behind the scenes to help others. She now spends her time as a mentor, entrepreneur, and life coach.
She often helps people who are trying to grow their business or improve their lives. On her LinkedIn profile, 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!”
Kathy also started a nonprofit called the Kathy Foundation, which focuses on giving better education to kids who need it. She’s still active and full of purpose, even in her 70s.
Kathy Ambush’s Second Marriage and Life in Virginia
After her divorce from Clarence Thomas, Kathy found love again. She later married Douglas Allen Smith, a smart and kind businessman from New York City. Douglas worked in different fields like tech, car sales, and even executive transportation. He also started a few of his own companies.
The couple moved to Richmond, Virginia, where they lived a quiet and happy life together for many years. Sadly, Douglas passed away on September 1, 2023. It was a big loss for Kathy, but she stayed strong. She continues to live in Chesterfield, Virginia, where she helps others, stays active, and lives with calm and grace.
Kathy Ambush: Clarence Thomas’ Ex-Wife with Her Own Identity
It’s true that Kathy Ambush is often called Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife, but that’s not the full story. Kathy is much more than that. She has built a strong life of her own through hard work, education, and kindness.
She never tried to become famous. She didn’t write a tell-all book or appear in the news. Instead, she focused on her family, her community, and her career. People who know her say she is warm, wise, and always willing to help others.
In many ways, Kathy’s quiet strength has touched more lives than people realize. She continues to inspire others—not through fame, but through action and kindness.
Where Is Kathy Ambush Now and What Is She Doing?
As of 2026, Kathy Ambush lives in Chesterfield, just outside Richmond, Virginia. She lives in the same home she shared with her second husband before he passed away. It’s a calm and peaceful place where she feels comfortable and connected to her past.
Even though she’s now retired from full-time work, Kathy is still busy. She runs her online coaching business, supports her foundation, and gives talks in small community events. She’s not active on social media, but people who work with her often share how helpful and encouraging she is.
She may not be in the spotlight, but she continues to lead with quiet strength and a big heart.
Final Thoughts
Kathy Ambush’s life is a story of strength, growth, and peace. She went through a public marriage, a private divorce, and then started a new life on her own terms. Many people would have chosen fame or revenge—but not Kathy. She chose kindness, hard work, and grace.
From a young student and wife, to a working mom and mentor, Kathy Ambush has shown what it means to rise again. Even though she was once Clarence Thomas’ wife, she has built a life that is fully her own.
She reminds us that sometimes, the quietest people have the strongest stories. And in 2026, her story still inspires.
(FAQs)
How old is Kathy Ambush now?
She turned 75 years old in June 2025 — and she’s still working as a mentor and helping people!
Does Kathy Ambush have any kids?
she has one son, Jamal Adeen Thomas. He didn’t follow his dad into law — he works in finance and stays out of the spotlight.
What is Kathy Ambush’s net worth in 2026?
Surprisingly, her net worth is around $2 million — built from her own career, not from Clarence Thomas.
Why did Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas get divorced?
They divorced in 1984 after problems like money stress, drinking issues, and rumors of cheating.
Where does Kathy Ambush live now?
She lives a quiet life in Chesterfield, Virginia, where she mentors others and runs a small foundation.
You may also read: Annaliese Witschak: The Untold Story of George Soros’ Ex-Wife
