Clarence Thomas is an American lawyer and judge currently serving as an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court. He is the second African American to hold this position, succeeding Thurgood Marshall in 1991. In addition to his professional achievements, there is significant public interest in Clarence Thomas’s personal life. He has been married twice and divorced once. Below, you can learn more about his first wife, Kathy Ambush.

Profile Summary

Kathy Ambush: Life Beyond the Spotlight

Kathy Ambush is best known in America as the first wife of Clarence Thomas, a long-serving Supreme Court Justice. Despite maintaining a low profile since their divorce, her life story remains intriguing. Here’s a closer look at Kathy Ambush and her marriage to Thomas.

Kathy Ambush’s Biography

Kathy Grace Ambush was born on June 6, 1950, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Nelson William Ambush and Shigao Gladys Sato. As of 2024, she is 74 years old, and her zodiac sign is Gemini.

Kathy Ambush’s Siblings

Kathy has a large family, including four siblings: Benjamin Ambush, Reverend Stephen Ambush, June Ambush, and Karen Thande. Additionally, she has two half-siblings, Sydney Schuyler and Valarie Wilson.

Educational Background

Kathy attended Saint Peter-Marion Central Catholic High School before pursuing higher education. She studied Sociology at Anna Maria College from 1968 to 1970 and later graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in Business Administration and Science. Furthermore, she trained in Radio Broadcasting at the Broadcast Centre from 1978 to 1979.

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Career History

Kathy Ambush boasts over 40 years of experience in public relations across various sectors, including non-profit, corporate, political, and educational fields. Early in her career, she worked as a communications specialist for the NRCC from 1979 to 1985. She later held positions as the director for the MASP Program at Milton Academy and as a community relations specialist at BankBoston. Kathy served as the assistant director and director of Development at the Immigrant Learning Centre, Inc. from 2002 to 2018.

What Does Kathy Ambush Do Today?

Though retired, Kathy remains active in her professional life, working with Global Internet Entrepreneur. She also promotes healthy living through Amway.

Kathy Ambush’s Net Worth

Kathy Ambush’s net worth is estimated to be around $100,000. Her income sources include her entrepreneurial ventures and her extensive career in public relations.

How Did Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas Meet?

Kathy and Clarence first crossed paths in 1969 as college students. While Thomas attended the College of Holy Cross, Kathy studied at a nearby school. After two years of dating, they married in 1971, coinciding with Thomas’s graduation. The couple held a private ceremony at All Saints Episcopal Church and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut. They welcomed their only child in 1973, but after ten years of marriage, they separated in 1981 and finalized their divorce in 1984.

Why Did Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas Divorce?

While the couple never publicly discussed the reasons for their divorce, allegations about Clarence’s behavior during their marriage have surfaced. Notably, he had an affair with Lillian McEwen, who later spoke publicly about their relationship. She alleged that Thomas struggled with alcohol abuse and had an obsession with pornography. Additionally, during his confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court, allegations of sexual harassment from Anita Hill emerged, further complicating his public image.

Children of Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas

Kathy Ambush has one biological son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, born on February 15, 1973. Jamal, who is now 51 years old, serves as the director of supervision at The Potomac Group of Northwestern Mutual and holds a BA in Economics and Business from the Virginia Military Institute.

Is Kathy Ambush Currently Married?

After her divorce from Clarence Thomas, Kathy remarried Douglas Allen Smith. The couple lives in Richmond, Virginia, and there is little public information about Smith as he tends to stay out of the spotlight.

Where is Kathy Ambush Today?

Kathy and her husband reside in Richmond, Virginia, where she continues her work with Global Internet Entrepreneur and advocates for healthy living through Amway.

Who is Clarence Thomas’ Sister?

Clarence Thomas has an older sister named Emma Mae Martin. Controversially, he has made statements about her that some allege were politically motivated, suggesting a narrative about welfare dependence among Black families.

What is Clarence Thomas’ Religion?

Raised as a devoted Catholic, Clarence Thomas once aspired to be a priest. However, he became disillusioned with the church’s efforts to address racism.