Kathy Ambush is a name many people search for today, even though she lives a quiet and simple life. Most people know her because she was the first wife of Clarence Thomas, who later became one of the most powerful judges in the United States.
But Kathy Ambush has her own life story too. She grew up in a loving family, lived through a tough marriage, became a mother, and later found peace in a calm and private life.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything we know about Kathy Ambush. We will talk about her childhood, her family, her college years, how she met Clarence, their son Jamal, and her life today with her second husband. So, let’s get started!
Kathy Ambush Profile Summary
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathy Grace Ambush |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1950 |
| Age (2025) | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Nelson William Ambush & Shigao Gladys Sato |
| Known For | First wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas |
| Marriage (First) | Clarence Thomas (1971–1984) |
| Marriage (Second) | Douglas Allen Smith (until his passing in 2023) |
| Children | One son – Jamal Adeen Thomas |
| Current Residence | Richmond, Virginia |
| Net Worth | $2 million – $3 million |
Who Is Kathy Ambush, Clarence Thomas’s First Wife?
Kathy Ambush is an American woman who became known because she married Justice Clarence Thomas when they were young. Clarence later became a Supreme Court Justice, and that made many people curious about Kathy and her past life with him.
But even with this attention, Kathy Ambush has always stayed private. She does not like public attention, interviews, or news stories. She never used her past marriage for fame. Instead, she focused on her work, her family, and living a soft, calm life.
Kathy’s Early Life and Family
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, worked as a dental technician. Her mother was Shigao Gladys Sato. Kathy learned many values from them, like kindness, education, and respect.
Her father was very active in the community. He also worked in civil rights groups and tried to help people who faced unfair treatment. He was known for taking part in local clubs, church leadership roles, and programs that helped families and young children.
Kathy had four biological siblings: Stephen, Benjamin, June, and Karen. Later, after her mother passed away, her father remarried, and Kathy gained two step-siblings, Valerie Wilson and Sydney Schuyler. She grew up in a big home filled with many different personalities.
Life was not always easy. Kathy lost her mother in 1984, the same year her marriage ended. Years later, she also lost her father in 2012. But these challenges helped her grow into a strong and calm person.
How Kathy Ambush Met Clarence Thomas
Kathy Ambush met Clarence Thomas in 1969. They met through mutual college friends. Both were young students trying to build their future. They had similar values, similar dreams, and both understood what hard work meant.
They liked each other very quickly. In fact, they started dating just one week after they met. Their connection felt natural and easy at the time. They spent many days talking, sharing stories, and supporting each other during stressful student years.
Their love grew during college. They were both still trying to find their place in life, but they believed they could shape a strong future together. They stood by each other during low-income years and periods of uncertainty.
This early connection is what later led to their marriage. Many people say their young love story was simple and sweet before life became more complicated.
They Got Married in 1971
Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas got married on June 5, 1971. Their wedding took place at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester. It was a simple and warm ceremony with family beside them. Both of them were hopeful about the future.
After their wedding, life moved quickly. They first moved to Missouri for Clarence’s new job. Later, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, so Clarence could start his studies at Yale Law School. They were young, busy, and trying to build a stable life.
But things were not easy. Clarence’s drinking problem started to grow. He used student loan money for alcohol and spent long hours in bars. This added a lot of stress to their home and made life difficult for Kathy.
Money problems also grew fast. They lived with debt, credit card bills, and even faced eviction notices. Reports also say Clarence had an affair, which caused even more pain. These problems slowly changed their marriage and made their home feel heavy and tiring.
Their happy beginning slowly became a difficult journey. But during this time, something very special happened that changed Kathy’s life forever — the birth of their son.
Meet Their Son Jamal Adeen Thomas
Kathy Ambush became a mother at a young age in 1973 when she gave birth to her son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, on February 15. Jamal became the center of her world. Even in a home full of stress, Kathy tried to give him love, care, and a warm environment.
Jamal grew up watching his parents face money issues and emotional pressure. But he also grew up knowing he was loved. Kathy remained a calm and strong mother during every difficult moment.
After the divorce, Clarence was given full custody, but Jamal stayed close to Kathy. She was always there for him, even if they did not live together all the time. Their bond stayed strong throughout the years.
Jamal later studied at Fork Union Military Academy and then at the Virginia Military Institute. He started a successful career in finance, working at companies like Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and BB&T. Today, he works as a Director of Supervision at John F. Van Der Hyde & Associates.
He lives in Richmond, Virginia, which keeps him close to his mother. Jamal often speaks with respect about both parents, and he has built a calm life just like Kathy.
Kathy and Clarence’s Divorce
Life became too difficult for Kathy Ambush by the early 1980s. Clarence’s drinking, debt, and emotional distance made it hard to keep the marriage together. Some reports even spoke about his affair, which added more pain.
They separated in 1981. Their divorce was finalized in 1984. This was one of the hardest years of Kathy’s life. Not only did her marriage end, but her mother also passed away in the same year. She had to face pain from many directions at once.
After the divorce, Kathy received some support and alimony, but she mainly focused on building her own steady life again. She did not try to get attention or speak publicly about the marriage. Instead, she chose privacy and peace.
Even though the marriage ended, both Kathy and Clarence stayed respectful for the sake of their son. They made sure Jamal always felt supported from both sides.
Kathy’s Second Marriage and Life Today
After her divorce, Kathy Ambush slowly began to build a new life for herself. She later married Douglas Allen Smith, a man who brought peace and comfort back into her world. Their marriage was quiet and steady, just the way Kathy liked to live.
Kathy and Douglas lived together in Richmond, Virginia, where she found the calm life she always wanted. Richmond is also where her son Jamal lives and works, so she stayed close to him. Kathy kept her world simple and focused on family, privacy, and peace.
Many people do not know this, but Douglas Allen Smith passed away in 2023, based on several reports. Even after this loss, Kathy continued to live quietly. She never shared her private moments publicly, and she never wanted attention. She stayed true to her quiet nature.
Today, Kathy Ambush still lives a very private life. She does not use social media. She does not appear in interviews. She prefers soft days, simple routines, and time with close family. She enjoys things like travel, animals, and peaceful home life.
Even though she stays away from the spotlight, people still wonder about her. This is mostly because Clarence Thomas is a very famous figure, and many readers want to know about the woman who was with him during his early years. But Kathy keeps her own world gentle and protected.
Kathy Ambush’s Career
Kathy Ambush has worked in many places throughout her life, but she never made her work public or loud. She always kept things simple. Still, her career was meaningful, and it showed how smart and capable she is.
She worked as a Global Internet Entrepreneur in a volunteer role. She liked helping people and guiding them, not chasing fame. She also worked at the Immigration Learning Center, where she helped support programs that teach and assist new immigrants.
Kathy also served as the Director of the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program at Milton Academy. This role showed her leadership and her passion for helping students. She played a strong part in guiding young learners and making education easier for them.
She also worked at BankBoston, where she handled Community Relations. This type of work is about helping people, understanding their needs, and supporting local groups. It fits her warm and caring personality very well.
Kathy Ambush’s Net Worth
Many people want to know how much Kathy Ambush is worth today. While she never talks about money, most reports say her net worth is around $2 million to $3 million. These numbers come from her years of work, her career, and past financial support from her ex-husband.
However, it is important to remember that these numbers are only estimates. Kathy Ambush lives a very private life, so her exact finances are not known. She does not share details, and she does not appear in the media.
Final Thoughts
The life of Kathy Ambush shows us a story of strength, calmness, and quiet dignity. She lived through a difficult marriage, raised a son she loves deeply, and built a new life that fits her gentle nature.
From her early years in a big family to her marriage with Clarence Thomas, her challenges, her choices, and her quiet life today — every part of her journey shows her inner strength. She never chased attention. She never used her past for fame.
Instead, she chose privacy, peace, and a simple life. She focused on her work, her family, and her own happiness. Even though people still search her name, she remains true to her quiet path.
Today, Kathy Ambush lives calmly, close to her son, and far from the noise of public attention. Her story reminds us that a peaceful life is also a successful life, and that strength does not always need to be loud.
(FAQs)
How old is Kathy Ambush?
Kathy Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, which makes her 75 years old in 2025.
What happened to Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas?
They married in 1971 but faced many problems, including drinking issues, money struggles, and an affair. They separated in 1981 and divorced in 1984.
Does Kathy Ambush have children?
Yes. She has one son named Jamal Adeen Thomas, born on February 15, 1973.
Who is Kathy Ambush’s second husband?
She later married Douglas Allen Smith. They lived a quiet life together in Richmond, Virginia. Reports say Douglas passed away in 2023.
Why do people search for Kathy Ambush today?
People search for her because she is linked to Clarence Thomas, who is a powerful and well-known Supreme Court Justice. Many want to know about his early life and first marriage.
Is Clarence Thomas married now?
Yes. Clarence Thomas is married to Virginia Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist and consultant. They married in 1987, three years after his divorce from Kathy Ambush, and they are still together today.
