Who Was Noel J. Mickelson? Everything to Know About John Amos’ Former Wife

Many people know Noel J. Mickelson because she was the first wife of actor John Amos. However, there is much more to her story than her marriage. She was a creative woman who followed her own path during a time when many women had fewer opportunities to do so.

Noel was an artist, carpenter, and horse lover who enjoyed building, creating, and spending time with animals. She believed in living life her own way, even when it was not the easiest choice. Her life showed courage, hard work, and a love for learning.

Her marriage to John Amos also became part of American history. They married before interracial marriage became legal across the United States, making their relationship especially meaningful during the civil rights era.

In this article, you’ll learn about Noel J. Mickelson’s early life, education, career, marriage, children, and the legacy she left behind. While some parts of her life remained private, enough is known to paint the picture of a remarkable woman who deserves to be remembered for much more than being a celebrity’s former wife.

Noel Jean Mickelson Quick Bio

Who Was Noel J. Mickelson?

Noel J. Mickelson, whose full name was Noel Jean Mickelson, was an American artist, carpenter, and equestrian. Although she is often remembered as John Amos’ former wife, she built a life filled with creativity and independence long before and after their marriage.

She was born in Jackson County, Minnesota, in 1943. Most published sources state that her birthday was August 22, 1943, although public records about her early life are limited. She grew up in a quiet farming community where nature and family played an important role.

Noel came from a family with Ashkenazi Jewish and Danish roots, giving her a rich cultural background. Her mixed heritage, together with her love for the outdoors, is often said to have influenced the way she looked at art and life.

Unlike many people connected to Hollywood, Noel preferred a private life. She rarely sought attention or fame. Instead, she focused on her work, her family, and the things she truly enjoyed. That quiet approach is one reason many people remain curious about her today.

Noel J. Mickelson’s Early Life in rural Minnesota

Noel spent her childhood in rural Minnesota, where open fields, farms, and animals were part of everyday life. Growing up in this peaceful setting helped her develop a strong connection with nature that stayed with her throughout her life.

Her parents, Wilbur B. Mickelson and Dorothy J. Tims, encouraged hard work, creativity, and education. They raised Noel to think for herself and to never be afraid of learning new skills. Those values shaped the confident woman she later became.

Life on and around farms also gave Noel a deep love for horses and animals. She enjoyed being outdoors and learned to appreciate patience, responsibility, and discipline from an early age. These experiences later supported her interest in horseback riding.

Even as a young girl, Noel enjoyed making things with her hands. Whether drawing, painting, or working on practical projects, she liked creating something new. This creative side continued to grow as she got older and eventually became a big part of her career.

Noel’s Education at Colorado State University

Education was always important to Noel. After finishing school, she enrolled at Colorado State University, where she studied fine arts and continued building her creative skills.

College opened many new doors for her. She met people from different backgrounds, explored new ideas, and learned more about painting, design, and artistic expression. These years helped her become more confident in her own abilities.

One of the biggest moments of her college years was meeting John Amos. At the time, neither of them knew how important that meeting would become. Their friendship soon turned into a relationship that would later make headlines because of the time in which they lived.

Her time at university also strengthened her belief that women could follow careers that were often considered unusual. She refused to let social expectations decide what she could or could not do.

Noel J. Mickelson as an Artist

Art was one of Noel’s greatest passions. She enjoyed expressing ideas through painting and other creative work rather than through public attention. Friends and people who knew her often described her as someone who found joy in making beautiful things.

Reports about her work say she enjoyed exploring different artistic styles, including abstract and surreal art. Instead of copying traditional ideas, she liked trying new ways to express emotions, people, and the beauty of nature.

Her background also influenced her artwork. Her family roots, her love for the outdoors, and her interest in different cultures all helped shape the ideas she explored through her creative work. Art became one of the ways she shared her view of the world.

Although Noel never became a widely known public artist, creativity remained a central part of her identity. Those close to her remembered her as someone who always looked for new ways to build, paint, and create.

Noel J. Mickelson as a Horse Lover

Another important part of Noel J. Mickelson’s life was her love for horses. That interest began during her childhood in Minnesota, where she spent plenty of time around animals and developed strong riding skills.

Horseback riding became much more than a hobby. According to several published accounts, Noel competed in horse shows and reached advanced levels in equestrian events. Her dedication and steady practice reportedly earned her recognition for her riding abilities.

Working with horses takes patience, trust, and discipline. These qualities matched Noel’s personality well. She enjoyed the close bond between rider and horse, and she spent many years improving her skills.

Her passion for horses also showed that she liked challenges. At a time when many women were expected to follow more traditional paths, Noel chose activities that required confidence, hard work, and independence. That adventurous spirit became one of the defining parts of her life.

Noel J. Mickelson’s Carpentry Work

Besides painting and horseback riding, Noel was also known for her carpentry skills. This was a very unusual career choice for women during the 1960s and 1970s, but she never let that stop her.

She enjoyed working with wood and creating useful items with her own hands. Reports say she made furniture, artistic pieces, and everyday household items. Her work combined creativity with practical skills, showing another side of her talent.

Carpentry allowed Noel to solve problems, build things from scratch, and express herself in a different way than painting. It also reflected her independent nature and willingness to learn skills that many people did not expect women to have.

Rather than following trends or choosing the easiest path, Noel built a life around the work she truly loved. That mix of art, craftsmanship, and determination made her story unique.

Noel J. and John met at Colorado State University

Noel J. Mickelson met John Amos while both were students at Colorado State University. At the time, neither of them was famous. They simply connected through college life and slowly built a relationship based on respect and shared dreams.

As their friendship grew, they decided to build a future together. Their relationship was strong, but it also came at a difficult time in American history. Many people still judged interracial couples, making everyday life much harder than it should have been.

The couple married in 1965, two years before the historic Loving v. Virginia ruling in 1967. At that time, interracial marriage was still illegal in several U.S. states. While the law depended on where people lived, couples like Noel and John still faced unfair treatment and social pressure.

John Amos later became a well-known actor through hit projects like Good Times and the award-winning television series Roots. As his career grew, Noel mostly stayed away from the spotlight, choosing a quieter and more private life.

Although their marriage ended after about ten years, it remains an important part of both of their stories. Their relationship reflected courage during a time when many couples faced unfair barriers simply because of their different backgrounds.

Noel J. Mickelson’s Interracial Marriage

Today, interracial marriage is widely accepted across much of the United States. But in the mid-1960s, that was not the case. Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos married during a time when many people still faced legal and social discrimination because of race.

Their marriage came before the Loving v. Virginia decision, which struck down state laws banning interracial marriage in 1967. Even after that ruling, many couples continued facing criticism from parts of society.

Noel and John chose to focus on their family instead of public opinion. Their willingness to stand together showed quiet strength rather than public protest. Looking back today, their marriage represents one small part of the broader movement toward equal rights in America.

Although their relationship eventually ended in divorce, it remains an important chapter in Noel’s life. It also reminds readers how much society has changed over the past several decades.

Noel J. Mickelson’s Children

Noel J. Mickelson and John Amos had two children, and both followed creative careers in the entertainment industry.

Their daughter, Shannon Amos, became a producer, writer, and travel entrepreneur. Over the years, she has worked on television projects and often speaks about living a meaningful life. She has also shared memories of both of her parents and the lessons they taught her.

Their son, K.C. Amos, built a career as a director, producer, and actor. Like his father, he worked in film and television, but he also created his own path behind the camera.

Both children have spoken about the importance of family, creativity, and hard work. Many people believe those values came from Noel as much as from John. Even though she preferred privacy, her influence clearly reached the next generation.

Noel J. Mickelson’s Divorce and Later Life

After nearly a decade together, Noel and John divorced in 1975. Like many couples, they chose different paths in life. Even after the marriage ended, they remained connected through their children.

Following the divorce, Noel continued living away from public attention. Rather than seeking fame, she focused on her personal interests and maintained the independent lifestyle she had always valued.

Several published reports also claim that Noel later faced serious health problems after surgery. These reports say she became blind and quadriplegic because of complications. However, very little public information is available, and these claims have not been widely confirmed through official records.

Despite those reported challenges, people close to the family have remembered Noel as someone with remarkable strength. She continued to inspire those around her through her positive attitude and determination.

Noel J. Mickelson’s passed away in 2016

Most published sources report that Noel J. Mickelson passed away in 2016 at the age of 72. Since she lived such a private life, few public details about her final years have been shared.

Today, Noel is remembered for much more than her marriage to John Amos. She was an artist who enjoyed painting, a skilled carpenter who worked with her hands, and a horse lover who spent years building her riding skills.

She also showed independence at every stage of her life. Whether choosing an unusual career, following her artistic dreams, or standing beside the person she loved during difficult times, Noel remained true to herself.

Her children continue to honor her memory through their own creative work and by sharing stories about their family. While Noel never searched for fame, her life continues to interest readers because it reflects courage, creativity, and quiet strength.

Bottom Line

Noel J. Mickelson may always be connected with John Amos, but her story reaches far beyond that relationship. She built a life filled with art, craftsmanship, horseback riding, and family, all while staying true to her own values.

She lived during a time when many doors were still closed for women and interracial couples. Instead of letting those limits define her, she kept following her own path with confidence and determination.

Although many details about her private life remain unknown, the parts that are known tell the story of a talented and hardworking woman. Her life reminds us that not every meaningful legacy comes from fame. Sometimes, it comes from living with honesty, courage, and purpose.

(FAQs)

When did Noel J. Mickelson marry John Amos?

Noel J. Mickelson married John Amos in 1965, before the 1967 Loving v. Virginia ruling that made interracial marriage legal across the United States.

What was Noel J. Mickelson’s job?

She worked in several creative fields. Noel was known as an artist, a carpenter, and an equestrian who enjoyed horseback riding and, according to published accounts, competed in horse events.

When did Noel J. Mickelson die?

Most published sources state that Noel J. Mickelson passed away in 2016 at the age of 72.

What was Noel J. Mickelson’s net worth?

Public figures are not confirmed. Several online sources estimate her net worth at $300,000 to $500,000, but there are no official records that verify this amount.

Why is Noel J. Mickelson still remembered today?

People continue to remember Noel because of her creative life, her courage during a difficult period in American history, and her role in raising two successful children. Her story also offers a deeper look at the life behind a well-known Hollywood family.