Noel J Mickelson (1943-2016) was an American artist and equestrian best known as the first wife of actor John Amos. Born in Minnesota, she married Amos in 1965 when interracial marriage was banned in 16 states. They had two children, Shannon and K.C. Amos, before divorcing in 1975. She died in December 2016.
Noel J Mickelson lived a life that defied societal expectations and broke racial barriers during one of America’s most turbulent periods. While many know her as actor John Amos’ first wife, her story extends far beyond celebrity marriage. She was an accomplished artist, devoted mother, and quiet pioneer who helped change the landscape of interracial relationships in America.
Her marriage to John Amos in 1965 came two years before the Supreme Court’s landmark Loving v. Virginia decision, which struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage. This article explores her fascinating journey from small-town Minnesota to Hollywood, revealing the woman who lived authentically despite societal pressures.
Early Life and Background
Noel Jean Mickelson was born on August 22, 1943, in Jackson County, Minnesota, to parents Wilbur B. Mickelson and Dorothy J. Tims. She grew up in a loving household that valued education and personal integrity.
According to census records, the family later moved to Estherville, Iowa, where Noel spent her formative years. Her Midwest upbringing instilled values of hard work and determination that would serve her throughout life.
The young Noel showed early artistic talent and a love for horses. These passions would become defining elements of her identity, leading to successful careers in both art and equestrian sports.
Meeting John Amos at Colorado State University
Noel met John Amos while both were students at Colorado State University, where John was studying sociology and playing football. Their connection was immediate and profound, transcending the racial boundaries that divided 1960s America.
According to their daughter Shannon, it was love at first sight when John, a football player, encountered the artistic and free-spirited Noel on campus. Their relationship blossomed despite the challenges they knew they would face as an interracial couple.
John was pursuing his dreams of professional football while Noel focused on her artistic studies. Both shared intellectual curiosity and a desire to make their mark on the world.
A Groundbreaking Marriage
On December 27, 1965, Noel and John married at the chapel at Colorado State University. This ceremony represented more than a personal commitment—it was an act of rebellion against unjust laws.
At the time of their wedding, interracial marriage was illegal in approximately 16 states. Their union came during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, making their love story both personal and political.
| Marriage Timeline | Historical Context |
|---|---|
| December 1965 | Noel and John marry |
| June 1967 | Loving v. Virginia decision |
| 1967-1970 | Children born |
| August 1975 | Divorce finalized |
The newlyweds faced significant challenges. Their daughter Shannon later revealed that the family encountered armed racism, including an incident where a racist pointed a gun at John. These experiences shaped their determination to raise their children in an environment where love conquered hatred.
Building a Family
Noel and John welcomed two children who would become successful in their own right. Their first child, Shannon Amos, was born in 1967, followed by Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos in 1970.
Both children inherited their parents’ creative talents and strong values:
Shannon Amos
- Born August 5, 1966
- Writer, producer, and wellness expert
- Founder of Afterglow Multimedia, LLC
- Plant medicine ceremonialist
- Over 216,000 Instagram followers
Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos
- Born in 1970
- Director, producer, and video editor
- Grammy-nominated filmmaker
- Credits include “The Watermelon Heist,” “Tamales and Gumbo,” and “Hauntsville”
K.C. was nicknamed after the Kansas City Chiefs, where John briefly played professional football. Both children speak fondly of their mother’s influence on their creative development and values.
Artistic Career and Personal Pursuits
Beyond her role as wife and mother, Noel built impressive careers in art and equestrian sports. She was a talented artist, craftswoman, and equestrian whose skills were well-known in social circles.
Her artistic work reflected themes of identity, freedom, and social justice. She continued creating throughout her life, using art as a means of personal expression and cultural commentary.
As an equestrian, Noel achieved recognition in endurance riding during the 1970s and 1980s. Her love of horses became a defining passion that provided both personal fulfillment and financial success.
The End of a Marriage
Despite their deep connection, Noel and John’s marriage ended in divorce in August 1975 in Los Angeles. The exact reasons remain private, but the pressures of John’s rising career and the constant scrutiny of their interracial relationship likely contributed.
John’s conflicts with “Good Times” writers about the portrayal of African American families added professional stress during their final years together. The divorce marked the end of their romantic relationship but not their commitment to co-parenting.
After the divorce, both maintained respect for each other. Noel never remarried, choosing instead to focus on her art, horses, and children. John later married actress Lillian Lehman, though that union also ended in divorce.
Later Life and Legacy
Following her divorce, Noel dedicated herself to her passions. She built a successful career that contributed to her estimated net worth of $8 million at the time of her death.
She remained close to both children, who credit her with instilling creativity and strong values. Known affectionately as “Noni” by her family, she maintained family traditions like requiring dinner by 6:00 p.m.
Noel passed away in December 2016, surrounded by family. In her final moments, she expressed regret about not traveling more. Her daughter Shannon honored this wish by taking Noel’s ashes around the world, beginning in January 2017.
Impact on Civil Rights History
Noel’s marriage to John Amos represents an important chapter in American civil rights history. Their union helped challenge societal norms and paved the way for future interracial couples.
Their courage was validated in 1967 when the Supreme Court’s Loving v. Virginia decision overturned laws banning interracial marriage nationwide. By marrying two years before this landmark ruling, they demonstrated that love transcends racial boundaries.
Their children continue this legacy of breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity through their professional work and public advocacy.
Noel J. Mickelson’s Lasting Influence
Though Noel preferred privacy over publicity, her influence extends far beyond her immediate family. She demonstrated that women could pursue multiple passions while raising successful children and maintaining dignity in difficult circumstances.
Her story resonates today as America continues grappling with racial justice issues. The courage she and John showed in the 1960s provides inspiration for modern couples facing societal challenges.
The success of Shannon and K.C. Amos in entertainment and wellness industries reflects the strong foundation Noel provided. Both children frequently honor her memory and continue sharing her story with new generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Noel J Mickelson die?
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016 at age 73. She was surrounded by family members during her final moments.
Q: What was Noel J Mickelson’s ethnicity?
Noel was of Ashkenazi Jewish and Eastern European descent. She was born in Minnesota to parents Wilbur Mickelson and Dorothy Tims.
Q: How many children did Noel J Mickelson have?
She had two children with John Amos: Shannon Amos (born 1967) and Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos (born 1970). Both became successful in entertainment industries.
Q: What was Noel J. Mickelson’s net worth?
At the time of her death, Noel’s estimated net worth was $8 million, earned through her careers as an artist and equestrian.
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