Noel J. Mickelson may not be a household name like her former husband, actor John Amos, but her story deserves to be told in full. She was more than just the ex-wife of a celebrity. Mickelson lived through an era of cultural change, broke barriers by marrying across racial lines in 1965, raised two creative children, and pursued her own passions in art, nature, and equestrian life.
Although she lived largely outside the public eye, her life reflects broader themes in American history: interracial marriage, the civil rights era, women’s roles, and the quieter legacies of individuals who contributed to family, creativity, and resilience without seeking fame.
This article explores Noel J. Mickelson’s life in detail — her early years, education, marriage, family, later life, and legacy — while situating her biography in the larger social context of her times.
Early Life and Background
Noel J. Mickelson was reportedly born in Estherville, Iowa, a small town in Emmet County. While her exact birthdate is uncertain, most accounts place her birth sometime in the early-to-mid 1940s.
She came from a Jewish and European background, often described as a mix of Ashkenazi Jewish and Danish/Eastern European ancestry. This multicultural heritage shaped her worldview and later stood in contrast to the segregated and racially divided America in which she came of age.
Growing up in Iowa, Noel would have been raised in a Midwestern environment marked by agricultural traditions, community bonds, and a slower pace of life. This may have influenced her later interest in horses, equestrian activities, and nature.
Education and Interests
Noel pursued higher education at Colorado State University (CSU). It was here, during her college years in the early 1960s, that her life took a decisive turn.
At CSU, she reportedly studied subjects related to the arts. Accounts vary — some suggest fine arts, while others claim she pursued creative fields that aligned with her later work as an artist and craftswoman.
Beyond academics, Noel was drawn to nature, horseback riding, and environmental causes. This deep affinity for animals and the outdoors became a defining part of her personality and lifestyle.
Meeting John Amos at Colorado State University
While at Colorado State University, Noel met John Amos, a young African-American student-athlete. Amos, born in 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, was a standout football player and later pursued a career in acting.
Their relationship began in college — a time when interracial relationships were highly controversial in the United States. Despite social pressure and legal barriers, Noel and John built a partnership that would eventually lead to marriage.
Marriage During a Time of Racial Barriers
In 1965, Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos married. This was no ordinary union:
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At that time, interracial marriage was still illegal in many U.S. states.
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The landmark Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state bans on interracial marriage, would not come until 1967.
Their marriage was, therefore, both deeply personal and quietly political. It challenged entrenched racial norms and symbolized love’s power to transcend barriers.
For Noel, marrying Amos was an act of courage as well as commitment. Together, they embodied a new vision of American family life that would become more widely accepted in later decades.
Family Life: Children and Motherhood
The couple had two children, both of whom went on to creative careers influenced by their parents’ passions:
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Shannon Amos (born ~1966) – She became a successful producer, writer, and life coach. Shannon has worked in the entertainment industry, including producing for BET, MTV, and Warner Bros. She also founded Afterglow Media and advocates for wellness, holistic living, and cultural storytelling.
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Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos (born ~1970) – A director, actor, and editor, K.C. has directed music videos, worked in independent films, and earned recognition in creative media circles.
As a mother, Noel instilled values of creativity, independence, and resilience. Her children have frequently spoken about her influence, particularly her love of nature and her encouragement to explore creative expression.
Divorce and Independent Life
After about a decade of marriage, Noel and John Amos divorced in 1975.
The reasons for their separation remain private. However, given Amos’s rising career in acting (he starred in Good Times and Roots during the 1970s), the pressures of Hollywood life may have contributed.
Despite the divorce, Noel maintained strong relationships with her children and continued to shape their lives outside of the spotlight.
Career, Passions, and Personality
While she was not a public figure, Noel J. Mickelson is remembered for her wide range of interests and talents:
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Artist & Craftswoman – She pursued art, though her works were not widely published or exhibited.
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Equestrian – She had a lifelong passion for horses and reportedly kept and cared for them.
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Nature Enthusiast – Noel loved the outdoors, supporting environmental causes and embracing sustainable living long before it became mainstream.
Those who knew her describe her as independent, creative, compassionate, and quietly strong.
Later Years and Passing in 2016
In her later years, Noel faced health challenges. Some accounts suggest complications from a hysterectomy that affected her mobility and eyesight, though these claims are not consistently verified across reliable sources.
Despite these struggles, she remained close to her family.
Noel J. Mickelson passed away in December 2016. She was survived by her two children and remembered fondly by friends and family.
Legacy and Impact on Her Family
Noel’s legacy lives on most directly through her children, Shannon and K.C. Amos.
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Shannon has often spoken about fulfilling her mother’s dream of travel by taking her ashes around the world, symbolically allowing Noel to experience global adventures she missed in life.
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Both children credit their mother for fostering their artistic and creative instincts.
Her influence also extended to John Amos’s career indirectly, as she was part of his early life journey before he became a household name.
Broader Historical Significance
Noel J. Mickelson’s life cannot be separated from the social context of 1960s and 1970s America.
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Civil Rights Era – Her interracial marriage reflected the slow but steady shift toward racial equality.
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Changing Family Norms – She represented women who balanced education, family, and personal passions at a time when women’s roles were expanding.
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Hidden Histories – Like many women tied to famous men, her story risks being overshadowed. Yet, it reminds us of the quiet contributions individuals make to history through love, courage, and family.
Lessons from Noel J. Mickelson’s Life
From Noel’s life, we can draw several enduring lessons:
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Love defies barriers – Her marriage was a testament to choosing love despite social obstacles.
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Personal passions matter – Even outside fame, her love of art, horses, and nature defined her individuality.
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Family legacy is powerful – Through her children, her influence continues in creative industries and cultural storytelling.
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Ordinary lives have extraordinary meaning – Noel’s story may not be in headlines, but it resonates with themes of courage, creativity, and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Noel J. Mickelson?
She was the first wife of actor John Amos, an artist, equestrian, and mother of two children, Shannon and K.C. Amos.
When did Noel J. Mickelson marry John Amos?
They married in 1965, before interracial marriage was fully legalized nationwide in the U.S.
Did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos have children?
Yes, they had two children: Shannon Amos and K.C. Amos, both of whom pursued creative careers.
When did Noel J. Mickelson die?
She passed away in December 2016.
What was Noel J. Mickelson known for?
She was known for her artistic talents, love of nature and horses, and for being a strong, supportive figure in her family’s life.
Conclusion
Noel J. Mickelson lived a life that was both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary in the sense that she chose family, creativity, and a love for nature over the spotlight. Extraordinary because her marriage to John Amos in 1965 challenged America’s racial barriers, her nurturing shaped two accomplished children, and her quiet strength continues to inspire.
While history often remembers famous figures, it is the lives of people like Noel — artists, mothers, and barrier-breakers — that remind us how personal choices ripple through generations. Her story is one of courage, creativity, and resilience, lived without fanfare but rich with meaning.
In remembering Noel J. Mickelson, we not only honor her life but also recognize the countless untold stories of individuals whose legacies live on in the people they loved and the values they carried forward.
Read Also: Mike Wolfe Passion Project | Preserving America’s Heritage
Key Takeaways
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Noel J. Mickelson was born in Iowa and later studied at Colorado State University.
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She married actor John Amos in 1965, when interracial marriages were still illegal in many states.
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Together, they had two children who built careers in the entertainment industry.
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Her interests included art, equestrian life, and environmentalism.
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She passed away in 2016, but her influence continues through her children and her quiet but meaningful legacy.
