When people talk about the U.S. Supreme Court, names like Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, or Elena Kagan often come up. Yet, behind one of the most powerful men in American law lies the lesser-known story of a woman who once shared his journey — Kathy Ambush.
Her name might not dominate headlines, but her life story is one of quiet strength, personal growth, and resilience. Once known as Clarence Thomas’s first wife, Kathy Ambush has built a life defined not by controversy but by purpose and perseverance.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore Kathy Ambush’s biography, her career, education, marriage, family life, and what she’s doing now — using an easy, conversational style that paints a real picture of the woman behind the name.
Who Is Kathy Ambush?
Kathy Grace Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. She grew up in a loving family led by her father, Nelson William Ambush, a well-known dental technician, and her mother, Shigao Gladys Sato, who was of African-American and Asian descent.
Kathy was one of several children — Benjamin, Reverend Stephen, June, Karen Thande, Sydney Schuyler, and Valerie Wilson — each raised with strong values of education, faith, and community. Sadly, Kathy’s mother passed away in 1984, and her father later remarried Mary Estelle. Despite the challenges, Kathy remained close to her siblings and half-siblings.
From a young age, Kathy showed signs of intelligence and leadership. She attended St. Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School, where she developed an interest in people, communication, and social issues — traits that would define her later career.
After graduation, she pursued Sociology at Anna Maria College, before transferring to Lincoln University in Missouri to study Business Administration. In 1977, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree, and later, she trained at the Broadcast Centre in St. Louis, learning radio broadcasting and communication.
Kathy Ambush Career: From Public Relations to Mentorship
Unlike many who are famous only because of their associations, Kathy Ambush’s career stands on its own. She began her professional life in Washington, D.C., working at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
At the NRCC, she served as a communications specialist, coordinating radio communications and helping organize events for congressional members. Colleagues described her as meticulous, kind, and grounded — someone who could handle pressure with a smile.
Later, Kathy Ambush moved back to Massachusetts, where she worked as Director of the Massachusetts Advanced Studies Program at Milton Academy, and then at BankBoston as a Community Relations Manager. She also joined The Immigrant Learning Center as Director of Development, helping raise funds for English-language programs for immigrants and refugees.
Throughout her professional journey, Kathy built a reputation as a public relations expert, a nonprofit leader, and a mentor who believed in helping others rise. She once said:
“Life is about reinventing yourself. The greatest gift is helping others find their purpose.”
In recent years, Kathy Ambush has worked as a mentor and life coach, guiding young professionals and entrepreneurs. She runs programs that teach communication, leadership, and personal branding — emphasizing emotional intelligence and empathy.
Her work has also earned her recognition as a community volunteer, blending her professional success with social purpose.
Clarence Thomas and Kathy Ambush: A College Love Story
The story of Clarence Thomas and Kathy Ambush begins in the late 1960s in Massachusetts. At the time, Clarence was a student at the College of the Holy Cross, and Kathy attended Anna Maria College nearby.
A mutual friend introduced them, and they quickly bonded over their shared background and ambition. In interviews, Clarence Thomas later described that time as “filled with hope and discovery.” They fell in love and, after two years of dating, decided to marry.
On June 5, 1971, the couple tied the knot at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester, a ceremony attended by friends, family, and classmates. Soon after, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where Clarence studied at Yale Law School.
Their early years were marked by hard work and sacrifice. Kathy supported Clarence through his studies, often working part-time jobs while managing their household. Friends recall that she was the grounding force in their marriage — calm, patient, and optimistic.
The Challenges: Financial Struggles and Emotional Distance
While life seemed promising, the couple faced significant challenges. Clarence struggled with financial instability and alcoholism. He later admitted in his autobiography My Grandfather’s Son that he used student loans to buy alcohol, describing those years as “dark and difficult.”
The stress took a toll on their relationship. Kathy tried to maintain stability for their growing family — especially after the birth of their son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, in 1973 — but the pressure was relentless.
As Clarence’s career in law began to rise, new challenges emerged. Reports later revealed that he had an affair with Lillian McEwen, a Senate Judiciary Committee lawyer, during his marriage to Kathy. Lillian herself wrote about their relationship, calling it both “passionate and complicated.”
By 1981, Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas had separated, and in 1984, they officially divorced. Their marriage had lasted over a decade.
Kathy Ambush and Son: Building a Peaceful Life
Following her divorce, Kathy Ambush focused on raising her son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, who would grow into a successful businessman. Today, Jamal serves as the Director of Supervision at John F. Van Der Hyde and Associates, part of the Northwestern Mutual financial group.
Despite being the son of a Supreme Court justice, Jamal has chosen a low-profile life, much like his mother. The two share a close bond, with friends describing their relationship as “warm, grounded, and full of respect.”
Kathy’s dedication to her son demonstrates her priorities: family, stability, and emotional well-being. She once mentioned to a friend, “I may not have chosen the public spotlight, but I’ve always chosen peace.”
Douglas Allen Smith and Kathy Ambush: Finding Love Again
After the pain of divorce, Kathy didn’t rush into another relationship. But years later, she met Douglas Allen Smith, a kind and driven man from New York City.
Douglas had built several businesses, including Sterling Transportation and The Boston Auto Advocate, and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. They shared values of hard work, faith, and community — and soon fell in love.
The couple married and settled in Richmond, Virginia, living a private but happy life together. Tragically, Douglas passed away on September 1, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and integrity.
Kathy’s strength through his passing showed her quiet resilience once again. She continued her mentoring work and remains based in Richmond today.
How Old Is Kathy Ambush?
As of 2025, Kathy Ambush’s age is 75 years old. Despite the years, she remains active and passionate about helping others. Those who’ve met her describe her as vibrant, kind, and endlessly curious — someone who radiates wisdom and peace.
Is Kathy Ambush Still Alive and What Is She Doing Now?
Yes, Kathy Ambush is still alive and living in Richmond, Virginia. She continues to work as a mentor, coach, and entrepreneur. Through online programs and personal coaching sessions, she helps people find direction in life and business.
On her LinkedIn page, she writes:
“Helping others connect the dots to their best life is my calling.”
She occasionally posts on her Facebook page, where she shares positive affirmations and community projects. Despite her famous past, she avoids media attention, choosing instead to inspire others quietly.
What Is Kathy Ambush’s Net Worth?
According to recent estimates, Kathy Ambush’s net worth is around $2 million. Her wealth comes from decades of work in public relations, education, and nonprofit leadership, as well as her entrepreneurial ventures.
However, what truly defines Kathy isn’t her financial worth — it’s her emotional and spiritual wealth. After all, she built a meaningful life outside of fame, proving that happiness doesn’t need headlines.
Clarence Thomas and Kathy Ambush: A Shared History
Even after their divorce, Clarence Thomas and Kathy Ambush remain connected through their son. Though their paths diverged — Clarence rising to the Supreme Court and Kathy pursuing a quiet, fulfilling life — they share mutual respect.
It’s said that they occasionally cross paths at family events involving Jamal. Both have built new lives, but the early chapter they shared remains a formative part of their personal histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long was Clarence Thomas married to Kathy Ambush?
They were married for approximately 13 years, from 1971 to 1984.
2. Does Kathy Ambush have children?
Yes. She has one son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, born in 1973.
3. Who is Kathy Ambush married to now?
She was married to Douglas Allen Smith until his death in 2023.
4. What happened to Kathy Ambush, Clarence Thomas’s first wife?
After their divorce, she built a career in public relations and nonprofit work and later became a mentor and entrepreneur.
5. Is Kathy Ambush white or African-American?
Kathy Ambush’s ethnicity is African-American with mixed heritage from her mother’s side.
6. Where is Kathy Ambush now?
She currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, living a peaceful, semi-retired life.
The Legacy of Kathy Ambush: Quiet Power and Reinvention
While the world focuses on Clarence Thomas, Kathy Ambush has quietly built her own legacy. She embodies what it means to rise after heartbreak, reinvent oneself, and live with dignity away from the spotlight.
Her life story isn’t about fame or scandal — it’s about grace, resilience, and inner peace. She has proven that even when life takes unexpected turns, you can create your own version of happiness.
As one former colleague once said:
“Kathy Ambush is proof that the quietest lives often hold the loudest lessons.”
Final Thoughts
The story of Kathy Ambush is one of transformation. From a small-town girl in Massachusetts to a professional woman in Washington, from being Clarence Thomas’s wife to finding her own identity, Kathy’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
She has lived through public attention, personal pain, and professional triumphs, yet has remained true to herself. For anyone who’s ever had to rebuild their life, her story serves as a guide: start small, stay grounded, and never lose faith in yourself.
And that’s what makes Kathy Ambush unforgettable — not because she was once married to power, but because she found her power within.
