Noel J. Mickelson, an American artist, craftswoman, and equestrian, is perhaps best known as the first wife of actor John Amos. Their interracial marriage in the mid-1960s was a testament to their love and resilience during a period of significant societal challenges.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on August 22, 1943, in Jackson County, Minnesota, to Wilbur B. Mickelson and Dorothy J. Tims, Noel was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. She spent her formative years in Estherville, Iowa, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature and the arts. Pursuing higher education, Noel attended Colorado State University, majoring in fine arts. It was here that she met John Amos, who was studying sociology and playing football. Their meeting blossomed into a profound connection, leading to marriage in 1965.
Marriage to John Amos
Their union in 1965 was particularly significant, occurring two years before the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Loving v. Virginia, which legalized interracial marriage nationwide. This made their marriage both a personal commitment and a quiet act of defiance against prevailing societal norms. Together, they had two children: Shannon Amos, born in 1966, who later became a writer-producer and founder of Afterglow Multimedia, LLC, and K.C. Amos, born in 1970, who pursued a career as a Grammy-nominated director.
Life and Career
After their graduation, Noel and John moved to New Jersey, where they both worked as social workers. Noel’s passion for the arts and equestrian pursuits remained a significant part of her life. She was known for her skills as a craftswoman and her deep love for horses, which she shared with her children. Her daughter, Shannon, recalls being raised on a property with horses, reflecting Noel’s dedication to providing a nurturing and culturally rich environment for her family.
Challenges and Separation
Despite their shared passions and commitment, Noel and John’s marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1975. The details of their divorce remain private, but it is known that Noel experienced significant emotional distress during this period. Reports suggest she had a restraining order against John, indicating the complexities of their relationship during its dissolution.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Noel remarried a Disney special-effects engineer. The couple resided on a ranch in California, reflecting Noel’s enduring love for nature and equestrian life. Tragically, during a medical procedure—a hysterectomy—Noel suffered severe complications that resulted in blindness and quadriplegia. Her second husband cared for her until his passing in 2005. Noel continued to live under the care of her family until her death in 2016.
Legacy
Noel’s legacy is carried forward by her children, Shannon and K.C., both of whom have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. They frequently honor their mother’s memory through social media, sharing photographs and stories that reflect her influence on their lives. Shannon, in particular, has spoken about the challenges her parents faced as an interracial couple and the strength her mother exhibited throughout her life.
In conclusion, Noel J. Mickelson’s life was marked by artistic passion, resilience in the face of societal challenges, and a deep commitment to her family. Her story reflects the complexities of navigating personal and societal obstacles, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her and the broader narrative of American social history.
