Noel J. Mickelson, an artist, equestrian, and the ex-wife of the famous actor John Amos, led a fascinating and remarkable life. Her story is not just about being connected to a well-known celebrity but also about navigating the complexities of love, family, and a career in a time when the world was vastly different from what it is today. From her early life to her enduring legacy, Noel J. Mickelson’s journey has left an indelible mark. Let’s dive deeper into her incredible life.
Early Life and Background
Noel J. Mickelson was born in the 1940s, in the small town of Estherville, Iowa. Growing up in a quintessential Midwestern community, Noel experienced the values of hard work, family, and resilience from a young age. Although there is limited information about her parents and siblings, it is clear that she was raised with a deep appreciation for creativity and independence. These qualities became a foundation for her future pursuits.
Her early education also remains a mystery, but Noel’s later years led her to Colorado State University, where her interests began to take shape. Here, she developed a passion for the arts—a passion that would stay with her for the rest of her life. Despite societal challenges, Noel pursued her dreams, eventually becoming a talented artist and craftswoman.
Meeting Jon Amos: A Love That Defied Boundaries
Noel J. Mickelson first met John Amos while studying at Colorado State University. Their meeting was serendipitous and blossomed into a relationship built on shared values and an appreciation for each other’s differences. In the 1960s, biracial relationships were not widely accepted, and the couple faced many societal challenges due to segregation and racial prejudice.
Despite these obstacles, Noel and John fell in love and decided to marry in 1965—a year after segregation laws started to shift in America. Their love story is a powerful testament to their courage and determination to be together despite the odds. For ten years, they stood by each other’s side, building a family and sharing precious moments before their paths ultimately diverged.
Marriage and Challenges as a Biracial Couple
Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos married during a pivotal time in America’s history. In the mid-1960s, interracial marriage was still considered taboo by many, and the Civil Rights Movement was in full force. This meant that their union was not only about love but also about pushing back against societal norms.
As John Amos transitioned from his career in football to acting, Noel supported him behind the scenes. However, their marriage faced significant challenges. John’s demanding schedule in the entertainment industry made it difficult for him to spend time with Noel and their children, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1975. Although they went their separate ways, they maintained a connection through their shared love for their children.
Career as an Artist and Equestrian
While much of the public knew Noel J. Mickelson as the ex-wife of a celebrity, she was a talented and accomplished woman in her own right. Noel had a deep passion for the arts and horses, which she cultivated into a fulfilling career. As an artist, Noel focused on crafting and designing, earning admiration within her community for her work.
Noel was also an equestrian, and her love for horses was apparent throughout her life. She was known to have a unique bond with these majestic animals, which brought her peace and joy, especially during difficult times. Her career as an artist and equestrian brought her both financial independence and a sense of purpose beyond her marriage to John Amos.
Raising a Family: The Role of Motherhood
Noel J. Mickelson played a crucial role in raising her two children, Shannon and Kelly Christopher (K.C.) Amos. After her divorce from John Amos, Noel dedicated herself to being a present and supportive mother. Shannon and K.C. both went on to lead successful lives—Shannon as a wellness travel expert and plant medicine ceremonialist, and K.C. as an actor, director, and producer.
Noel instilled values of creativity, perseverance, and kindness in her children. Despite the challenges they faced as a family, she ensured that they understood the importance of resilience and embracing their diverse heritage. Her impact on her children’s lives is evident in their accomplishments and the strength they exhibit today.
The Separation: Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from John Amos, Noel J. Mickelson went on to live an independent and fulfilling life. She chose not to remarry and instead focused on her passions and her children. Noel’s decision to stay single allowed her to channel her energy into her career as an artist and her work with horses.
Living a relatively private life, Noel avoided the spotlight, preferring to focus on her creative endeavors and personal growth. Her artistic skills garnered appreciation from those who knew her, and her equestrian pursuits provided her with a sense of peace and connection to nature.
Noel’s Later Years: Her Personal Pursuits
Noel J. Mickelson lived her later years with grace and purpose. She continued her artistic work, often sharing her creations with friends and loved ones. Her connection with nature, especially through her work with horses, remained an integral part of her life.
In 2016, Noel passed away, leaving behind a legacy of strength, creativity, and love. Her family and friends remembered her as a woman who faced life’s challenges head-on and lived life on her own terms. Though she may not have sought the limelight, Noel’s influence on those around her was profound.
Legacy and Impact on Family and Community
Noel J. Mickelson’s legacy is not limited to her marriage to John Amos. Her impact as a mother, artist, and equestrian left a lasting impression on her family and community. She was a woman who embraced life’s challenges, faced societal prejudices, and remained true to her passions.
Her children have carried forward her spirit of resilience and creativity. Shannon Amos has been open about the influence her mother had on her journey, often sharing how Noel’s strength and guidance helped shape her into the person she is today. Noel’s legacy is also seen in the work of K.C. Amos, who followed in his father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Noel J. Mickelson
Is Noel J. Mickelson Still Alive?
No, Noel J. Mickelson passed away in 2016. Her death marked the end of a remarkable journey, but her legacy lives on through her family and the people she touched.
What Was Noel J. Mickelson’s Career?
Noel was an artist and equestrian. She was known for her work as a craftswoman and her love for horses, which she pursued throughout her life.
How Did Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos Meet?
Noel and John Amos met while studying at Colorado State University. Their love story began in college, and they married in 1965, despite the challenges posed by societal norms at the time.
How Many Children Did Noel J. Mickelson Have?
Noel had two children with John Amos: Shannon Amos and Kelly Christopher (K.C.) Amos. Both have gone on to lead successful careers in their respective fields.
What Is Noel J. Mickelson’s Legacy?
Noel’s legacy lies in her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her family. She was a strong, independent woman who pursued her passions and left a lasting impact on her children and community.
Conclusion
Noel J. Mickelson was far more than just the ex-wife of a famous actor. She was a talented artist, a devoted mother, and a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Her story is one of love, independence, and perseverance. From her early years in Iowa to her marriage to John Amos, her career, and her role as a mother, Noel lived a life full of passion and purpose.
Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and those who learn about her journey. Noel J. Mickelson’s life reminds us that true success is not defined by fame but by the impact we have on the people we love and the courage we show in the face of adversity.
