On November 23rd, family and friends of the late John Amos gathered together to pay tribute to the actor, with an memorial service at The Cicely Tyson School of Performing & Fine Arts Theater in East Orange, New Jersey.
Amos, best known for his role as the patriarch in the 1970s sitcom, Good Times, the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Roots, Coming to America, died on August 21, 2024 due to congestive heart failure. Amos’ death was publicized 45 days later on Oct. 1st with his sister and other family members finding out on the same day as the public. Amos was cremated nine days later on August 30th, leaving his loved ones without the chance to say goodbye to Amos.
L-R: Amos’ granddaughter at the podium; 90s R&B singer, Monifah singing during the memorial service; and Shannon Amos posing with Singer, Lauryn Hill and Host, AJ Calloway; Photo Credit: Norman Deshong
The 84-year-old was cared for by his son, KC, after an ongoing feud during his last years between KC and Shannon on who would care for the Good Times actor, with Shannon alleging that her brother, K.C., was committing elder abuse. In her filings with authorities in New Jersey and Colorado, she claims that her brother gradually took control over their father’s life and affairs, isolating him from his inner circle. Amos’ daughter also claims that her brother had impersonated their father in communications, neglected his medical needs, mismanaged his finances, and exploited and diminished his legacy, per Hollywood Reporter.
The service featured performances by Monifah, Karen Poole, and Tone “TL” Cross, with celebrities like Lauryn Hill, Rahzel from the Roots, Violet Palmer, and fellow Good Times actors, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ralph Carter, in attendance. Au Calloway, former 106 & Park host, served as the host of the memorial service.
Ted Green, Mayor of East Orange also honored Amos with a proclamation and announced plans to name the local high school football field and a street in his honor.