Who is Marvena L. Thomas? Taking a closer look at the personal and professional life of Shawn Kemp’s first wife

Marvena L. Thomas was the first wife of former NBA player Shawn Kemp, who played for four teams in his 14-year pro basketball career. They were married in 2001 in a ceremony that was attended only by close friends and family.

The former couple had three children, including Shawn Kemp Jr. and Jamon Kemp, who both played college basketball. Kemp Jr. had a four-year stint at the University of Washington, while his brother represented Southeastern Louisiana University for a year.

The former six-time NBA All-Star was a notorious womanizer and had seven children from six different women. Marvena L. Thomas, however, reportedly forgave him for his infidelities. Kemp had four other marriages after Marvena, but still speaks highly of his first wife.

Thomas was also involved in basketball in her own right. She used to be a co-director of the Northwest College Summer League. Part of her passion for basketball pushed her to organize numerous pro-am basketball tournaments, particularly in Seattle.

Marvena L. Thomas is best known for her work as the Founder & Director of the Marvin Thomas Foundation. It is a platform that is named after her father. The organization is heavily involved in Seattle-based communities, particularly the youth and underprivileged children.

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Seattle Parks

@SeattleParks

Our Basketball Clinic at High Point Community Center was a big success with 45 youth participants! In partnership with Highpoint Community Center, Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund, Kids4Camp Foundation, & All Community Productions.
#YouthSports #SeattleShines #HighPoint

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Our Basketball Clinic at High Point Community Center was a big success with 45 youth participants! In partnership with Highpoint Community Center, Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund, Kids4Camp Foundation, & All Community Productions.
#YouthSports #SeattleShines #HighPoint https://t.co/hIsYnZJfxL

Thomas’ work in the community is the exact opposite of Shawn Kemp’s life as a father. He has reportedly failed to provide decent support to his seven children.

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Marvena L. Thomas’ former husband, Shawn Kemp, is in trouble again

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Shawn Kemp put Marven L. Thomas through a lot during their time together. The Seattle Supersonics legend has had brushes with the law in numerous instances.

Kemp allegedly stole a gold chain while he was still a superstar in the NBA. He was also arrested by the police for possessing cocaine and a semi-automatic pistol just three years after he retired from pro basketball.

The most recent controversy facing Marvena L. Thomas' former husband, Shawn Kemp, is a drive-by shooting.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski:

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“According to the Pierce (Wash.) Corrections Inmate listings, six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp -- a legendary member of the Seattle Sonics -- has been booked in an alleged drive-by shooting.”

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Adrian Wojnarowski

@wojespn

According to the Pierce (Wash.) Corrections Inmate listings, six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp -- a legendary member of the Seattle Sonics -- has been booked in an alleged drive-by shooting. twitter.com/TacomaPD/statu…

Tacoma Police Department

@TacomaPD

At 1:58 pm, an altercation between the occupants of 2 cars led to shots being fired at a parking lot in the 4500 blk of S. Steele St. One car fled. No injuries were reported. A gun was recovered. A 53-yr-old male was booked for Drive-By Shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

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At 1:58 pm, an altercation between the occupants of 2 cars led to shots being fired at a parking lot in the 4500 blk of S. Steele St. One car fled. No injuries were reported. A gun was recovered. A 53-yr-old male was booked for Drive-By Shooting. The investigation is ongoing. https://t.co/XTIeU1I4Jj

According to the Pierce (Wash.) Corrections Inmate listings, six-time NBA All-Star Shawn Kemp -- a legendary member of the Seattle Sonics -- has been booked in an alleged drive-by shooting. twitter.com/TacomaPD/statu…

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You may also like to read: How many kids does Shawn Kemp have? Taking a closer look at former NBA player’s immediate family

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