When most people hear the name Franklin, they immediately think of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Known worldwide for her timeless music, Aretha’s legacy overshadows many personal and family stories that never made it into the spotlight. Among these lesser-known figures is Carl Ellan Kelley, Aretha’s half-sister, whose life remained largely private yet profoundly meaningful. Although not a celebrity like her sister, Carl Ellan’s story is one of resilience, quiet strength, and deep family roots.
This article explores who Carl Ellan Kelley was, her parentage, her relationship with the Franklin family, her mother’s story, her life away from fame, and the circumstances surrounding her death. In doing so, we shed light on a woman who lived a full life behind the scenes of one of America’s most iconic families.
Who is Carl Ellan Kelley?
Born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, Carl Ellan Kelley was the daughter of Reverend Clarence LaVaughn (C. L.) Franklin and Mildred Jennings. Reverend Franklin was already an influential preacher at the time, admired for his charismatic sermons and his rise as one of the most powerful voices in the Black church.
Unlike her half-sister Aretha Franklin, Carl was not part of the entertainment world. Instead, she chose a life away from cameras and public attention. Her identity was shaped not by fame, but by service, humility, and her role within her own community and family.
Despite her connection to the legendary Franklin family, many people only came to know about her after her passing in 2019.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Mother: Mildred Jennings
One of the most sensitive and important aspects of Carl Ellan Kelley’s story involves her mother, Mildred Jennings. At the time of Carl’s birth, Mildred was just 12 years old, while Reverend Franklin was in his mid-twenties. This detail has often been highlighted in accounts of the Franklin family, and it sheds light on a complicated and controversial chapter in the Reverend’s life.
Because of the circumstances, Carl Ellan was raised not by her mother, but by her maternal grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry. For much of her early life, she was separated from her father’s household and lived away from the siblings who would later become musical legends.
This early separation deeply influenced Carl’s childhood. While her siblings—Aretha, Erma, Carolyn, and Cecil—grew up in Detroit in a home filled with music and celebrity visitors, Carl’s upbringing was quieter and far removed from the limelight.
Family Connections: Half-Siblings and the Franklin Legacy
As the daughter of C. L. Franklin, Carl Ellan Kelley was part of a large, blended family. Her half-siblings included:
- Aretha Franklin – The Queen of Soul, whose voice defined generations.
- Erma Franklin – A singer best known for the original recording of “Piece of My Heart.”
- Carolyn Franklin – A talented songwriter and backing vocalist for Aretha.
- Reverend Cecil Franklin – A minister who managed Aretha’s career for a time.
- Vaughn Franklin – Another half-sibling from their father’s relationships.
For many years, Carl did not have close contact with her father or siblings. It was only as a teenager—around the age of 17—that she reached out to her father and established connections with her siblings. Accounts suggest that Reverend Franklin eventually acknowledged her as his daughter, but her early childhood was marked by distance from the Franklin household.
A Quiet Life of Service
Unlike the glittering lives of her siblings, Carl Ellan Kelley chose a much more private path. Sources note that she worked as a nurse, dedicating herself to caregiving and serving others. She also devoted much of her life to raising her children and caring for her grandchildren.
Carl was known among those close to her as a woman of resilience, humility, and grace. She carried the Franklin legacy in her blood, but she never used it as a means to step into the public eye. Instead, her focus was on her family, her work, and her personal faith.
Her children included Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III, with some sources also mentioning a daughter named Vivian. Through them, Carl’s legacy continues in future generations, though she herself never sought fame or recognition.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Later Years
In her later years, Carl continued to live quietly, primarily in Detroit, Michigan. While Aretha Franklin commanded stages around the world, Carl built a reputation in her own community for being grounded and devoted to her loved ones.
Family ties remained important to her. Even though she lived much of her life outside the public sphere, she was part of the larger Franklin story—one marked by both musical genius and personal struggles.
Carl Ellan Kelley Cause of Death
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78. Her death was attributed to a heart attack, though reports also note that she had suffered from long-term heart issues.
Her death came only a few months after her famous half-sister Aretha Franklin’s passing in August 2018, which was due to pancreatic cancer. In some ways, the closeness of these two losses added an additional layer of sadness for the extended Franklin family.
Funeral services for Carl were held in Memphis, after which she was laid to rest at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington. Her passing marked the quiet end of a life lived with dignity outside of the limelight.
The Significance of Carl Ellan Kelley’s Story
While Carl Ellan Kelley may not have been a public figure, her life is still significant for several reasons:
- Historical Context – Her birth and upbringing highlight the complexities of Reverend C. L. Franklin’s personal life and the challenges faced by women like her mother, Mildred Jennings.
- Family Legacy – Though not a performer, Carl represents another branch of the Franklin family tree, one that chose privacy and service over public recognition.
- Resilience and Quiet Strength – Her story resonates with many who live meaningful, impactful lives without seeking fame or fortune.
By remembering Carl Ellan Kelley, we also gain a more complete picture of the Franklin family—not just the celebrity highlights, but the deeply human stories that shaped their legacy.
Conclusion
Carl Ellan Kelley lived in the shadows of one of America’s most famous families, but her life should not be forgotten. Born into a complicated situation, raised away from her siblings, and later carving out a life of service and family devotion, Carl’s story is one of quiet dignity.
Her passing in 2019 closed the chapter on a life lived away from headlines, but it also invites us to remember that not all legacies are written in the spotlight. Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in humility, perseverance, and love for family.
At Digi Fanzine Celebrities, we believe that stories like Carl Ellan Kelley’s deserve to be told—not just for their connection to celebrity families, but because they reveal the everyday resilience and humanity that define us all.
