John Amos’ daughter Shannon announces memorial plans to honor her late father amid ongoing family drama

EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY: John Amos, renowned for his roles in 'Good Times', 'Roots', 'The West Wing', and 'Coming to America', passed away at the age of 84 in Los Angeles on August 21 from congestive heart failure.

In a heartfelt Instagram post on October 23, Shannon Amos announced a public memorial and celebration of life to honor her father's memory.

Shannon Amos announces tribute to father John Amos on November 23

The tribute, scheduled for November 23, will be held at the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey, on the former grounds of East Orange High School, which is also John Amos's alma mater.

East Orange Mayor Ted R Green and other notable speakers will share memories and stories, with Shannon expressing, "Though we may have learned the news late, we are sending my dad’s spirit home with a beautiful Celebration of Life and Legacy” and commemorate “his extraordinary life and legacy.”

Reflecting on her father's significant impact, Shannon wrote, “Known worldwide as 'America’s Father,' John Amos broke barriers with his roles in Good Times, Roots, The West Wing, and Coming to America. Beyond the screen, he was a dedicated humanitarian—advocating for children with disabilities and collaborating with Nelson Mandela in the fight to end apartheid."

"This tribute will honor not only his achievements as an actor and athlete, but also his enduring commitment to family, his hometown, and the causes he championed," she added.

John Amos's career was defined by his pioneering spirit, and his legacy is a "story of perseverance, family, and service."

Despite his widespread fame and legacy, news of John Amos's passing did not reach his daughter Shannon until October 1, when her brother, Kelly Christopher “KC” Amos, made a public statement.

Shannon, now 58, shared that the news hit her hard, intensifying an already challenging time for the family due to previous conflicts over elder abuse allegations involving John.

John Amos’ publicist reveals why he delayed news of his death

Reflecting on her family's grief, Shannon Amos expressed her regret at not being able to say goodbye, having learned of her father's death through the media.

She wrote, "I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr, transitioned on August 21st. We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you."

Despite Shannon's shock, John's longtime publicist Belinda Foster clarified, “It was John who requested the delay in announcing his death to Shannon and the rest of the world.”

Foster further revealed, "At the time of his death, John was concerned that Shannon might turn his death and interment into a circus as she had done with other aspects of his life."

Reportedly, this stemmed from John describing his relationship with his daughter as “acrimonious” and disputing Shannon’s claim that KC had committed elder abuse against him.

Adding to the family’s complex dynamics, KC was reportedly “under a strict no-contact order from the Superior Court of New Jersey,” issued in response to a complaint his sister Shannon filed against him in 2023, legally prohibiting him from contacting her.

However, in another October 6 Instagram post, Shannon wrote, "Our family—a daughter, a brother, nieces, grandchildren, cousins, and extended family should have had the chance to say goodbye, to be present, to lay our healing hands on him, to light our beloved patriarch’s path as he ascended.”

She recalled her spiritual connection to her father during his last days, saying, “You spoke to me in my dreams just before you departed and I lit a candle for you on my altar to light your path. I asked the family to do the same. I prayed and asked the ancestors to hold you, as I made an offering to Yemayah to cleanse your soul. You are free now my beloved Daddy. You are free."

"I prayed and asked the ancestors to hold you, as I made an offering to Yemayah to cleanse your soul. You are free now, my beloved Daddy. You are free," Shannon added.