Patricia Southall is a former beauty queen, author, and philanthropist best known as the ex-wife of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith. Before she became a public figure through her marriages, she built her own identity as a journalism graduate, a pageant titleholder, and later a motivational voice for women navigating personal setbacks. Her story matters because it goes far beyond her famous relationships. It is a story of reinvention, resilience, and using a public platform for genuine philanthropic work. This article explores her background, career, family life, and the legacy she continues to build today.
Patricia Southall: Quick Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patricia Annette Southall |
| Also Known As | Pat Southall, Pat Smith |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Chesapeake, Virginia, United States |
| Category | Public figure, author, philanthropist |
| Education | Western Branch High School; James Madison University (Journalism) |
| Notable Title | Miss Virginia USA 1994 |
| First Marriage | Martin Lawrence (1995 to 1997) |
| Second Marriage | Emmitt Smith (2000, separated 2020) |
| Children | Jasmine (with Martin Lawrence); E.J., Elijah, and Skylar (with Emmitt Smith); stepmother to Rheagan |
| Known For | Being Emmitt Smith’s ex-wife, author of Second Chances, founder of Treasure You |
| Importance | Advocate for women’s empowerment and personal resilience |
| Notable Features | Journalism background, pageant title, published memoir |
| Related Information | Twin sister Pam Southall; parents Henry and Mildred Southall |
Who Is Patricia Southall?
Patricia Annette Southall, often known as Pat Southall or Pat Smith, was born on 17 December 1970 in Chesapeake, Virginia. She grew up alongside her twin sister, Pam Southall, raised by parents Henry and Mildred Southall. She attended Western Branch High School before going on to study journalism at James Madison University, where she developed the communication skills that would later shape her public career.
Long before her name became linked to professional athletes and entertainers, Southall was building credentials of her own. Her journalism background gave her a strong foundation in storytelling and public speaking, skills she still uses today as an author and motivational speaker.
Early Career and Miss Virginia USA Title
Southall’s public profile began with pageantry. She won the Miss Virginia USA title in late 1993 and went on to compete as a runner-up at the Miss USA pageant in 1994. This achievement introduced her to a national audience and opened doors into media and entertainment circles.
Her poise and public speaking ability, honed through both her pageant training and journalism studies, became defining traits throughout her later career as an author and advocate.
Marriage to Martin Lawrence
Before marrying Emmitt Smith, Patricia Southall was married to comedian and actor Martin Lawrence. The couple met in 1992 while she worked in the media office of then-Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder. They married in 1995 and welcomed a daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, before divorcing in 1997.
This chapter of her life, while brief, placed her firmly in the public eye years before she met Emmitt Smith.
Marriage to Emmitt Smith
Patricia Southall married NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith on 22 April 2000. Smith, the league’s all-time leading rusher, was at the tail end of his playing career when the pair wed, and their relationship quickly became one of the most recognisable in American sports circles.
How Many Children Do Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith Have?
Southall and Smith share three biological children together: Emmitt James Smith IV (known as E.J.), Elijah Alexander James Smith, and Skylar Smith. Patricia is also a stepmother to Rheagan Smith, Emmitt’s daughter from a previous relationship, whom the family has always treated as one of their own.
Their son E.J. has followed in his father’s footsteps, playing running back at Texas A&M University and earning recognition on award watch lists during his college career.
When Did Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith Divorce?
The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in April 2020. Just months later, they announced they were separating after two decades of marriage. Despite the split, both have spoken publicly about prioritising respectful co-parenting, and they continue to appear together at family milestones, including their children’s graduations and athletic achievements.
Career as an Author and Motivational Speaker
In 2016, Patricia Southall released her memoir, Second Chances, in which she candidly discussed the highs and lows of her personal life, including her past relationships and the lessons she learned from them. She appeared on national television, including Good Morning America, to promote the book and share her message of self-forgiveness and resilience.
Her willingness to speak openly about difficult personal experiences helped establish her as a relatable and credible voice on topics such as healing, self-worth, and moving forward after hardship.
Philanthropic Work
Southall is the founder and spokesperson of Treasure You, an organisation focused on empowering women and supporting charitable causes. She co-founded the initiative alongside Emmitt Smith during their marriage, and it remains an active part of her public work today.
Her philanthropic efforts extend beyond this single organisation. She continues to use her platform to advocate for causes related to women’s empowerment, self-esteem, and community support, drawing on her own life experiences to connect with the people she aims to help.
Personal Life Today
Patricia Southall continues to maintain a close relationship with her children and remains actively involved in their lives and achievements. She and Emmitt Smith have demonstrated a united front as co-parents, frequently appearing together at family events years after their separation.
She keeps a public presence through her philanthropic work and occasional media appearances, remaining a recognisable figure in both the sports and entertainment communities.
Conclusion
Patricia Southall’s journey, from a beauty queen in Chesapeake, Virginia, to an author, philanthropist, and mother of five, reflects a life shaped by reinvention and resilience. While she is widely recognised as the ex-wife of NFL legend Emmitt Smith, her own achievements in journalism, pageantry, writing, and charitable work stand firmly on their own merit. Her story continues to resonate with readers who value honesty, personal growth, and the ability to move forward after life’s challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Patricia Southall?
Patricia Southall is an American author, philanthropist, and former beauty queen, best known as the ex-wife of NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. She won the Miss Virginia USA title in 1994 and later became a published author and women’s empowerment advocate.
Was Patricia Southall married to Martin Lawrence?
Yes, Patricia Southall was married to comedian Martin Lawrence from 1995 to 1997. The couple share a daughter, Jasmine Page Lawrence, before divorcing.
How many children does Patricia Southall have with Emmitt Smith?
Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith have three biological children together: E.J., Elijah, and Skylar. She is also a stepmother to Rheagan, Emmitt’s daughter from a previous relationship.
When did Patricia Southall and Emmitt Smith divorce?
The couple announced their separation in 2020, shortly after celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Despite the split, they have continued to co-parent their children respectfully.
What does Patricia Southall do now?
Patricia Southall works as an author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. She founded Treasure You, an organisation dedicated to empowering women, and remains active in charitable and community initiatives.
