Who is Kathy Ambush? All We Know About Clarence Thomas’ Ex-wife

Kathy Ambush is the ex-wife of Clarence Thomas, the conservative American Supreme Court justice. Ambush and Thomas met in the late 60s while studying in different schools in Worchester, Massachusetts. They commenced a romance and later married after Thomas graduated college in 1971. The former couple’s marriage lasted for 10 years, during which they welcomed a son together. They split in 1981 and formalized their divorce in 1984.

Since the divorce, 73 year-old Ambush has lived her life out of the spotlight. She is currently based in Massachusetts and remarried after her divorce from Thomas, who climbed in his career and is now a justice in America’s highest court.

Summary of Kathy Ambush’s Biography

  • Full name: Kathy Grace Ambush Smith
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of birth: 6th June 1950
  • Kathy Ambush’s Age: 58 years old
  • Ethnicity: African American
  • Nationality: American
  • Zodiac Sign: Gemini
  • Sexual Orientation: straight
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Marital Status: married
  • Kathy Ambush’s Husband: Mr. Smith, Clarence Thomas (1971-1984).
  • Kathy Ambush’s Children: Jamal Thomas
  • Kathy Ambush’s Parents: Nelson Ambush and Shaigao Gladys Sato
  • Siblings: Karen R. Thande, June E. Ambush, Rev. Stephen B. Ambush, and Benjamin S. Ambush
  • Kathy Ambush’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 5 inches
  • Kathy Ambush’s Height in Centimetres: 165
  • Kathy Ambush’s Weight: 56 kg
  • Kathy Ambush’s Net worth: $1 million
  • Famous for: Clarence Thomas’ ex-wife

Kathy Ambush is a Native of Worchester, Massachusetts

Clarence Thomas’ first wife, Kathy Ambush, was born on 6th June 1950 in Worchester, Massachusetts. Her father is the late Nelson Ambush, an African-American dental technician. Her mother is the late Shaigao Gladys Sato, a half-Japanese and half-American lady. Ambush has four siblings, namely Karen R. Thande, June E. Ambush, Rev. Stephen B. Ambush, and Benjamin S. Ambush.

Kathy Ambush spent her formative years in Worchester and completed her high school diploma on regular time. She also attended college as well. She grew up to be bright and well aware of the times she lived in. This was due to her father, who was quite active in the civil rights movement in Worchester and received several awards for his efforts.

Kathy Ambush
Clarence Thomas and son, Jamal Thomas (Image Source)

She and Clarence Thomas Began Dating During College and Wed in 1971

Kathy Ambush first met Clarence Thomas during her college days in 1969. They attended different schools in Worchester and were introduced by mutual friends. They quickly took a shine to each other, and within days of their meeting, Thomas had declared that he was in love with her. Their relationship flourished from then onwards, and she introduced him to her family.

They became quite close, and her dad even helped him pay for his senior yearbook. Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas dated for about two years before they later got engaged. They then went on to get married the very next day after Thomas finished college. This was on 5th June 1971, and the ceremony took place at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Worchester.

Kathy Ambush
Kathy Ambush with her son, Jamal (Image Source)

She Was Clarence Thomas’ Wife for 10 Years, During Which They Had a Son, Jamal Adeen Thomas 

Following their nuptials, Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas spent some time living in Massachusetts before relocating to New Haven, Connecticut. In New Haven, Thomas studied for a law degree at Yale while also working to provide for the family.

Ambush equally worked hard as well, and the couple was able to live a decent life. Their joy further grew after they welcomed their first child together, a son named Jamal Adeen Thomas, on 15th February 1973. The young family of three spent the next few years relocating to places such as Missouri, and Washington D.C., due to the demands of Thomas’ career.

He served as an assistant A.G. in Missouri (1974-1977) and a legislative assistant in Washington D.C. (1979 – 1981). These were quite demanding roles, but he earned a decent salary, so he and Ambush were able to provide a good life for their son.

Kathy Ambush
Jamal Thomas with his wife and son (Image Source)

The Couple Separated in 1981, and Their Divorce was Finalized Three Years Later

Kathy Ambush’s marriage to Clarence Thomas lasted for 10 years before they separated in 1981. The reason for their separation is not public knowledge, but it may have had something to do with Thomas’ drinking habit. He drank quite a lot back in the day, and this cost him financial problems, which may have exasperated Ambush.

Another probable reason for the couple’s split may be that Clarence Thomas was interested in another woman named Lillian McEwen. McEwen was a legislative aide, and she and Thomas started dating immediately after he split from Ambush. Therefore, Thomas could have come clean to Ambush about his feelings for McEwen, which caused their split.

Whichever it is, Kathy Ambush and Clarence Thomas split in 1981, and their divorce was finalized in 1984. Ambush initially got custody of Jamal as he was only eight years old. She, however, later sent him to live with his dad during his teenage years.

Kathy Ambush
Lillian McEwen (Image Source)

Clarence Thomas’ Ex-wife Now Lives in Lynn, Massachusetts, and has Remarried

It has been about three decades since Kathy Ambush divorced Clarence Thomas, and she is now living her life out of the spotlight. This makes it hard to find details about her, but some do exist. Kathy Ambush now lives in the town of Lynn, Massachusetts, and works in sales. The exact details of these “sales” are not available, but there is no doubt that she earns a good living for herself.

Kathy Ambush also remarried and now goes by the name Kathy G. Smith. The exact details of her marriage are not available. Her husband’s name is not known. There is also the possibility that she and her second husband may no longer be together and have divorced. All these are permutations and are not confirmed.

Kathy Ambush
Clarence Thomas and his second wife, Ginni Thomas (Image Source)

Kathy Ambush’s Son, Jamal Thomas, is a Financial Analyst and Investment Expert

It is possible that Kathy Ambush went on to have more children with her second husband, given that her dad had 17 grandchildren at the time of his demise. However, this is not confirmed, and the only known child of Kathy Ambush is her son with Clarence Thomas named Jamal Thomas. Jamal attended Bishop Ireton High School from 1987 to 1991.

He also attended The Fork Union Military Academy and The Virginia Military Institute (where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business). Jamal Thomas has since built a two decades-plus career in the finance industry as a portfolio trader skilled in risk management, investment, and leadership.

He has worked for several companies such as Wells Fargo Advisors, Davenport and Company LLC, BB &T Scott, and Stringfellow. He is now director of supervision at John F. Van Der Hyde and Associates. Jamal Thomas lives in Richmond, Virginia, and is married to a lawyer named Sakina Karima Paige.

They have a son together. Jamal leads a full life. He has run in marathons. He is also a board member of non-profits such as the Virginia War Memorial and The Relationship Foundation of Virginia.

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