When people search for Noel J. Mickelson, they usually find short, repetitive posts with very little depth. Most just mention she was John Amos’ first wife. But Noel’s story carries more meaning—both personally and historically. In this post, we’ll explore her background, her marriage to Amos, the family they built, and the legacy she left behind.
Early Life and Education
Noel J. Mickelson lived a private life compared to her famous husband. Known for her creativity, she studied art in her early years and had a deep passion for horses, which earned her recognition as both an artist and an equestrian. While details about her early family background are not widely available, what stands out is her focus on creativity, independence, and quiet strength.
Meeting John Amos
Noel met John Amos in the early 1960s while attending college. Accounts from family members say they met at Colorado State University, where Noel pursued her artistic studies and Amos was on a football scholarship. Their relationship blossomed quickly despite the social and cultural challenges of the time.
A Historic Marriage in 1965
The couple married in 1965, a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in many U.S. states. This was two years before the Supreme Court’s landmark Loving v. Virginia decision in 1967, which officially legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Their union was not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the quiet courage required to love openly during that era.
Building a Family
Noel and John welcomed two children together:
- Shannon Amos – who went on to become a successful producer and entrepreneur.
- K.C. Amos – who pursued a career in film as a director and editor.
Both children have spoken fondly of their mother’s influence, noting her resilience, creativity, and strength as guiding forces in their lives.
Divorce in 1975
After a decade of marriage, Noel and John divorced in 1975. While Amos’ acting career continued to grow, Noel largely stepped out of the public spotlight. Unlike many who stay connected to celebrity fame, Noel chose privacy and focused on her own life and family.
Later Years and Health Struggles
In her later life, Noel faced serious health challenges. Reports state that she developed severe complications following surgery, which left her a blind quadriplegic. Despite these struggles, she remained surrounded by family. In 2016, Noel J. Mickelson passed away, leaving behind a quiet but powerful legacy as a mother, artist, and figure of perseverance.
Professional Life: Artist and Equestrian
Unlike John Amos’ Hollywood career, Noel built her identity away from the cameras. She was an artist with a love for creativity and a skilled equestrian who found joy in working with horses. Some websites claim she held other roles—like architect or activist—but the most consistent and reliable descriptions come back to her love of art and horses.
Why Her Story Matters
Noel’s story matters because it intertwines personal courage with historical change. Her marriage to John Amos in 1965 happened during a time of deep racial divides in America. Their union symbolized love’s ability to cross barriers, even before the law officially supported it.
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Timeline of Key Events
- Early 1960s – Studied art; met John Amos at Colorado State University.
- 1965 – Married John Amos, during a period when interracial marriage was still outlawed in many states.
- 1966 & 1970 – Birth of her children, Shannon and K.C.
- 1975 – Divorced John Amos after ten years of marriage.
- Post-1975 – Lived a private life, faced serious health issues later on.
- 2016 – Passed away, remembered by her family and children.
FAQs About Noel J. Mickelson
Was Noel J. Mickelson famous?
She wasn’t a Hollywood star herself, but she gained public recognition through her marriage to John Amos. Her true passions were art and horses.
Did Noel and John Amos face challenges with their interracial marriage?
Yes. They married in 1965, two years before interracial marriage was legalized nationwide in 1967. Their relationship was a bold step in an era of legal and social resistance.
What happened to Noel after the divorce?
After divorcing in 1975, Noel lived a private life. She later faced serious health issues following surgery, which left her disabled until her passing in 2016.
Who are her children?
Noel had two children—Shannon Amos, a producer and entrepreneur, and K.C. Amos, a director and editor. Both work in the entertainment industry and credit their mother for shaping their values.
Remembering Noel J. Mickelson
Noel J. Mickelson may not have lived her life in front of cameras, but her influence was significant. She was an artist, equestrian, mother, and a woman whose marriage took place during one of the most pivotal times in American civil rights history. More than just John Amos’ first wife, she was a woman of resilience, creativity, and courage who left behind a legacy carried on through her children.
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