Most people know John Amos as a famous actor from shows like Good Times and Roots. But not many know about his first wife, Noel J. Mickelson. She lived a quiet life, but her story is full of strength, love, and creativity.
Noel was more than just the wife of a celebrity. She was a kind woman, a talented artist, and a brave person. She lived during a time when being in an interracial marriage was not easy. Still, she followed her heart.
In this article, we’ll learn about who Noel was, what made her special, and how she helped shape the lives of her family, especially her children and her famous husband. Her story is simple, but it matters.
Noel Jean Mickelson Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Noel Jean Mickelson |
| Known For | First wife of actor John Amos |
| Birthplace | Estherville, Iowa, USA |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European roots) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Artist, craftswoman, equestrian |
| Education | Colorado State University (Fine Arts major) |
| Marriage | Married John Amos in 1965 (divorced in 1975) |
| Children | Two – Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos |
| Second Marriage | Married a Disney special-effects engineer (name not publicly known) |
| Health Issues | Became blind and quadriplegic after medical complications |
| Death | December 2016 |
| Legacy | Remembered as a loving mother, creative spirit, and brave woman |
| Famous Quote (via Shannon) | “She was my rock… I miss the warmth of her embrace so much.” |
Where She Came From
Noel J. Mickelson was born in Estherville, a small town in Iowa, USA. This was a quiet place in the Midwest where people lived simple lives. Not much is known about her early years, but she came from a warm, peaceful background.
She was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. That means her family had roots in Eastern Europe. Her daughter, Shannon Amos, later shared this information online. It was part of what made Noel’s identity special.
Even as a young woman, Noel loved nature, art, and peaceful living. These passions stayed with her all her life. She was someone who cared deeply about creativity and living with meaning.
What She Loved to Do
Noel was not just a wife or a mother. She was a very creative and skilled woman. She worked with her hands, made art, and rode horses. She was a professional equestrian — which means she was very good at horse riding, even at a world level.
She also worked as a craftswoman and artist. She made beautiful things and loved to create. Her daughter Shannon once called her a “renaissance woman” — someone who could do many things and did them all with heart.
Noel never let people tell her what a woman could or couldn’t do. She didn’t believe in limits. She followed her passions, worked hard, and showed her children that women can be strong, kind, and smart all at once.
How She Met John Amos
Noel met John Amos when they were both students at Colorado State University. She was studying fine arts, and he was playing football and studying sociology. That means they were both learning how to follow their dreams.
Their daughter Shannon said it was “love at first sight.” Even though they came from different backgrounds, they felt a deep connection. She was a white woman from Iowa. He was a Black man from Newark, New Jersey.
But their differences didn’t matter to them. They were both young, creative, and full of hope. Their story started in a simple classroom — and it turned into a big love that faced many challenges ahead.
A Brave Marriage in a Difficult Time
Noel and John got married in 1965. But this was not a normal time in America. In 16 states, it was still illegal for people of different races to marry. But Noel and John didn’t let the law stop their love.
They didn’t wait for approval. They followed their hearts. Just two years later, in 1967, the Supreme Court made interracial marriage legal across the country. But Noel and John were already married before that law changed.
Their daughter Shannon said she was born before her parents were even legally recognized in many states. But all she saw was love. As a child, she didn’t notice their skin color. She only knew her parents cared for each other.
Their Family Life Together
After getting married, Noel and John moved to New Jersey, then later to Los Angeles for his acting career. They had two children together — Shannon Amos in 1966 and K.C. Amos in 1970.
The family lived on a ranch in Sylmar, California, where Noel could continue her passion for horses. It was a peaceful place for raising kids. Noel wanted her children to grow up around nature, art, and love.
John worked hard in the TV and film industry, but Noel was the one holding things steady at home. She gave her kids a creative and safe space. She taught them how to express themselves and be proud of who they are.
She Supported John’s Dreams
Noel J. Mickelson always believed in John Amos and his dreams. Before he became a famous actor, John tried many paths. He wanted to play football, then moved into comedy and acting. Noel stayed beside him through every change.
She understood his creative mind because she was an artist herself. John later shared that Noel knew why he did not want a normal office job. She gave him space to grow and never pushed him to give up his dreams.
While John worked long hours and faced rejection, Noel kept their home calm and supportive. She made sure the family felt safe and steady. Her quiet support helped John move forward with confidence.
Raising Children with Love and Strength
Noel J. Mickelson focused deeply on raising her children with care and kindness. She wanted Shannon and K.C. to feel loved and accepted. In their home, race did not matter. Love came first, always.
Shannon later shared that she did not even notice her parents were different races when she was young. To her, they were just mom and dad. That shows how warm and balanced Noel made their home feel.
One day, while traveling, the family faced a scary moment at a gas station in Arizona. A man pointed a gun at John and used hateful words. That moment forced Noel and John to explain racism to their children for the first time.
Their Divorce and a Hard Turning Point
After ten years of marriage, Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos divorced in 1975. The reason for their separation was never shared in detail. They chose to keep this part of their lives private.
Shannon later shared that this time was very hard for her mother. Noel went through emotional struggles and even had what Shannon called a nervous breakdown. It was a painful chapter for the whole family.
Even after the divorce, Noel remained a strong mother. She continued caring for her children and stayed focused on their well-being. Though life had changed, she did her best to move forward.
Her Second Marriage and Health Struggles
After the divorce, Noel J. Mickelson remarried. Her second husband worked as a Disney special-effects engineer. Together, they lived a quiet life on a ranch in California.
Sadly, during a medical surgery, Noel faced serious problems. A hysterectomy led to major complications. As a result, she became blind and quadriplegic, meaning she could no longer move her body.
Her second husband cared for her with love and patience. Despite her condition, Noel remained strong inside. She faced her health struggles with calm and quiet courage.
Her Final Days and Passing
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016. Her children were with her during her final moments. It was a sad time, but also filled with love and peace.
Before she passed, Shannon asked her mother if she had any regrets. Noel shared only one. She said she wished she had traveled more and seen the world.
That simple wish showed who Noel truly was. She did not speak of fame or money. She spoke of life, learning, and seeing new places.
How Her Children Remember Her
Shannon and K.C. Amos continue to honor their mother’s memory. They often share old photos and kind words about her on social media. Their posts show deep love and respect.
To honor Noel’s last wish, Shannon traveled the world with her mother’s ashes. She began this journey in 2017. It was her way of keeping her promise.
Both children say Noel taught them creativity, freedom, and inner strength. Her lessons stayed with them and shaped who they became as adults.
Final Thoughts
Noel J. Mickelson lived a quiet life, but her impact was strong and lasting. She was a loving mother, a brave partner, and a creative soul who followed her heart.
She faced racism, health struggles, and personal loss with grace. She did not seek attention, yet her story still touches many people today.
In 2026, her life reminds us that quiet strength matters. Noel J. Mickelson’s legacy lives on through love, art, and the family she shaped
(FAQs)
Where was Noel J. Mickelson born?
She was born in Estherville, Iowa, a small town in the Midwest. She had Ashkenazi Jewish roots from Eastern Europe.
How did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos meet?
They met while studying at Colorado State University. Noel was majoring in fine arts, and John was studying sociology and playing football.
When did Noel J. Mickelson marry John Amos?
They got married in 1965, a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in many U.S. states.
Did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos have children?
Yes, they had two children:
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Shannon Amos, a writer, producer, and wellness coach
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K.C. Amos (Kelly Christopher), a Grammy-nominated director
What kind of work did Noel J. Mickelson do?
She was a skilled artist, craftswoman, and world-ranked equestrian. She was also known for her strong love for nature and her creative lifestyle.
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