Behind the Queen of Soul stood a sister whose story few ever knew. Carl Ellan Kelley lived a quiet but remarkable life away from fame and public attention. She was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin, one of the most celebrated singers in history.
While Aretha’s powerful voice changed the sound of music forever, Carl’s story was one of humility, strength, and resilience. Her journey from a painful beginning to a life dedicated to care and family is both inspiring and deeply human.
Telling her story shines light on the quiet heroes behind famous names—those who show that a meaningful life is not always a public one.
Profile Summary
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Ellan Kelley |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Father | Reverend C. L. Franklin |
| Mother | Mildred Jennings |
| Raised By | Grandmother Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry |
| Half-Siblings | Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Reverend Cecil Franklin, Vaughan Franklin |
| Occupation | Nurse |
| Children | Charles G. Smith, Herman E. Wheatley III, Vivian Smith (deceased) |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2019 |
| Place of Death | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Cause of Death | Complications from heart disease |
| Burial Place | Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan |
| Relationship with Aretha Franklin | Half-sisters shared a private but meaningful bond |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Known For | Being the half-sister of Aretha Franklin and her lifelong dedication to nursing and family |
Early Life and Background
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her early life was marked by secrecy and hardship. Her father, Reverend C. L. Franklin, was already a respected preacher and civil rights activist.
Her mother, Mildred Jennings, was only twelve years old at the time of Carl’s birth—a tragic and difficult situation that shaped the rest of Carl’s life. Because of her mother’s young age and the sensitive nature of her birth, Carl was not raised by her parents. Instead, she was lovingly brought up by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry.
Growing up in the 1940s South was not easy, especially for a child born under such circumstances. Memphis, at the time, was a place of strong faith but also deep racial and social divides. Carl’s early years were filled with questions about her identity and belonging.
Her grandmother played a vital role in providing stability and love, ensuring that faith and family remained the foundation of Carl’s life. Though her beginnings were difficult, they taught her strength, empathy, and the importance of perseverance—qualities that would define her entire life.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Father, Reverend C. L. Franklin
Reverend Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, known as C. L. Franklin, was the father of Carl Ellan Kelley and one of the most famous preachers and civil rights leaders of his time. Born in 1915 in Mississippi, he became a respected minister in Detroit and gained national attention for his powerful sermons and activism.
He was also known for his deep involvement in gospel music and was the father of Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul.” Despite his public success, C. L. Franklin’s personal life was complex. He fathered Carl Ellan in difficult circumstances but later acknowledged her as his daughter, allowing her to reconnect with her family and heritage.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Mother, Mildred Jennings
Mildred Jennings, the mother of Carl Ellan Kelley, lived a life marked by tragedy and silence. She was only twelve years old when she gave birth to Carl Ellan, a heartbreaking situation that reflected the harsh realities faced by young girls in that era.
Because of her age and the painful circumstances surrounding Carl’s birth, Mildred could not raise her daughter. Carl was instead brought up by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry. Very little is publicly known about Mildred’s later life, but her story remains a reminder of the struggles faced by many women whose voices went unheard.
Relationship Between Carl Ellan Kelley’s Parents
The relationship between Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings was deeply troubled and controversial. Their connection began when Mildred was just a child, leading to the birth of Carl Ellan under circumstances that were both tragic and unlawful.
The event remained a family secret for many years, causing emotional pain for everyone involved. Over time, Reverend Franklin acknowledged Carl as his daughter, allowing her to build a connection with her father and half-siblings, including Aretha Franklin. Though the past could not be changed, this acknowledgment brought Carl a sense of belonging and closure later in life.
Relationship with Aretha Franklin
Although Carl Ellan and Aretha Franklin did not grow up together, they shared a special bond that grew stronger over time. Carl’s early life circumstances meant that she was not publicly acknowledged by her father for many years. However, as she got older, Carl reached out to him, seeking connection and understanding. This courageous step allowed her to meet her half-siblings, including Aretha.
Over the years, the sisters built a private but meaningful relationship. Aretha respected Carl’s strength and admired her quiet dignity. Their connection was not often discussed in public, but Aretha’s love was made clear in her final will she left Carl a financial gift of $50,000.
This gesture showed care, respect, and acknowledgment of their family bond. Though their lives were very different, one lived in the global spotlight and the other in gentle privacy, their relationship reflected forgiveness, understanding, and sisterly love.
Career and Life’s Work
Carl Ellan Kelley chose a path far from fame and entertainment. She dedicated her life to nursing, a career that reflected her compassion and strength. Through her work in healthcare, she helped countless people, offering comfort and care during their most vulnerable moments. Nursing became not just her profession, but her calling.
Her decision to live a private life showed great humility. While her family was known for fame, Carl’s life represented quiet service and purpose. Her work required patience, kindness, and emotional strength—qualities she developed through her early life experiences. Her dedication to others made her respected and loved by those who knew her personally.
Personal Life and Family
Carl Ellan Kelley was deeply devoted to her family. She had three children: Charles G. Smith, Herman E. Wheatley III, and Vivian Smith. Tragically, her daughter Vivian passed away before her, a loss that Carl carried with grace and faith. Despite the hardships she faced, she always placed family first.
As a mother and grandmother, Carl created a home filled with warmth and care. Her strength came from love—love for her children, her community, and her faith. She worked hard to provide stability and guidance, teaching her family the values of compassion, respect, and perseverance. Her personal life reflected her belief that true success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the love and kindness we show to others.
Challenges and Adversities
Carl Ellan’s life was marked by challenges from the very beginning. Being born into secrecy and social stigma caused emotional pain that she carried throughout her life. The knowledge of her parents’ difficult past and the judgment of society could have broken her spirit, but it didn’t. Instead, Carl chose to live with quiet strength and faith.
Later in life, she also faced health challenges. She battled heart disease, a struggle that eventually led to her passing. Even during illness, she remained strong and positive, continuing to care for others as long as she could. Her perseverance in the face of personal and physical challenges is what made her story one of deep courage and grace.
Later Years, Death, and Burial
In her later years, Carl Ellan Kelley lived in Detroit, Michigan, a city closely tied to her family’s history. She spent her final years surrounded by loved ones and remained active in her community and faith. On January 30, 2019, she passed away at the age of 78 due to complications from heart disease.
Her funeral reflected the dignity and peace with which she lived her life. Family and friends gathered to celebrate her memory and the kindness she shared. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, alongside her father and sister, Aretha Franklin. This final resting place symbolizes the unity of a family that faced many challenges but remained bound by love and faith.
Legacy and Impact
Though Carl Ellan Kelley never sought fame, her life left a quiet but powerful mark. She showed that strength can exist without attention and that love can flourish in private. Her legacy lives through her children, grandchildren, and those she cared for as a nurse.
Her story also adds depth to the Franklin family history. It reminds us that behind every famous name, there are stories of struggle, forgiveness, and personal triumph. Carl Ellan’s life stands as a symbol of resilience for anyone who has faced hardship with dignity and grace. She may not have had a public stage, but she lived a life worthy of respect and remembrance.
The Human Side of the Franklin Family
The Franklin family is often remembered for its musical genius and public influence, but Carl Ellan’s story reveals a more personal side. While Aretha Franklin embodied fame, Carl represented humility and inner strength. Together, their lives show two sides of the same legacy, one celebrated in song and the other lived quietly in service.
Carl Ellan’s life reminds us that every family, even those in the spotlight, has untold stories filled with complexity and humanity. Her journey reflects themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and healing. She helped complete the picture of the Franklin family not just as icons of music and faith, but as people who faced challenges and grew stronger together.
Conclusion
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life was not one of fame, but of meaning. Born into hardship, she transformed her pain into purpose, choosing a life of compassion and care. Her story stands as a testament to resilience, love, and quiet strength.
While her sister Aretha Franklin sang to the world, Carl lived her song through actions of kindness and devotion. Her legacy reminds us that greatness is not only found on stage or in history books—it can also be found in the hearts of those who live with courage and love.
Through her journey, Carl Ellan Kelley teaches us that a meaningful life is one defined by how we treat others and the grace with which we face the challenges we are given.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of the legendary Aretha Franklin, born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. She lived a private life, dedicating her years to nursing and caring for others. Though not in the public eye, she embodied strength, compassion, and quiet resilience throughout her life.
2. How was Carl Ellan Kelley related to Aretha Franklin?
Carl Ellan was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin, making her Aretha Franklin’s half-sister. While Aretha became a world-famous singer, Carl led a humble and private life focused on service and family. Despite their different paths, the sisters shared a meaningful bond built on love and respect.
3. What were the circumstances of Carl Ellan Kelley’s birth?
Carl Ellan was born under difficult and painful circumstances to Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, who was only twelve years old at the time. Because of this, she was raised by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry. Her early life was marked by secrecy and social stigma, which she overcame with grace.
4. What did Carl Ellan Kelley do for a living?
Carl Ellan worked as a nurse, dedicating her life to helping others in times of need. Her profession reflected her deep compassion and strength, offering comfort to those who were sick or suffering. She was known for her kindness and commitment to caring for her community and family.
5. Did Carl Ellan Kelley and Aretha Franklin have a close relationship?
Although they did not grow up together, Carl Ellan and Aretha built a meaningful relationship later in life. Aretha acknowledged her sister’s place in the family by including her in her will, leaving her a financial gift of $50,000. This gesture showed Aretha’s love, respect, and recognition of their lasting family bond.
6. How many children did Carl Ellan Kelley have?
Carl Ellan Kelley was a devoted mother to three children: Charles G. Smith, Herman E. Wheatley III, and Vivian Smith. Her daughter Vivian passed away before her, a loss she carried with great strength. She raised her family with love, faith, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion.
7. When and how did Carl Ellan Kelley pass away?
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 78. Her death was caused by complications from heart disease, which she battled in her later years. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery beside her father and sister, marking a peaceful reunion with her family.
8. What is Carl Ellan Kelley’s legacy today?
Carl Ellan Kelley’s legacy lies in her quiet strength, her dedication to others, and her ability to live with dignity despite life’s challenges. She represents the power of resilience and the value of living a meaningful, compassionate life. Her story reminds us that not all heroes are in the spotlight—some shine through love and humility.
