Carl Ellan Kelley was an American woman best known as the half-sister of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul.” She was also the daughter of famous Baptist preacher and civil rights activist Reverend C. L. Franklin.
Unlike her famous siblings, Carl lived a private life away from the music industry. Her story became known because of her unusual connection to the Franklin family, her late discovery of her father’s identity in public life, and her relationship with Aretha Franklin.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Carl Ellan Kelley |
| Other name | Carl Ellan Franklin |
| Date of birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Place of birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of death | January 30, 2019 |
| Age at death | 78 years old |
| Father | Reverend C. L. Franklin |
| Mother | Mildred Jennings |
| Famous for | Being Aretha Franklin’s half-sister |
| Children | Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III |
| Profession | Nurse (reported) |
| Religion | Christianity |
Early Life and Birth
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Reverend Clarence LaVaughn Franklin (C. L. Franklin) and Mildred Jennings.
Her birth became part of a complicated family history. Reports state that Mildred Jennings was 12 years old when she gave birth to Carl, while C. L. Franklin was 25. The circumstances surrounding her birth were later discussed publicly because of the difference in their ages.
Carl was not raised by her parents. She was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, and spent much of her childhood away from the Franklin family.
Relationship With Her Father, C. L. Franklin
Carl always knew that C. L. Franklin was her biological father. However, she did not have a close relationship with him during her early years.
When Carl was around 17 or 18 years old, she decided to contact him. She wrote him a letter because she wanted to understand more about her identity and family background.
According to reports, C. L. Franklin did not immediately contact her directly. Instead, he spoke with a minister who was close to him. Eventually, Carl and her father reconnected.
She later visited Detroit, Michigan, where she met her father and some of her siblings. Their relationship developed over time, although Carl believed that her father had been pressured to acknowledge her.
Carl Ellan Kelley and the Franklin Family
After reconnecting with her father, Carl became part of the larger Franklin family.
Her father, C. L. Franklin, was a major religious figure. He served as pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit and was involved in the civil rights movement.
Carl’s half-siblings included several well-known members of the Franklin family.
Aretha Franklin
Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin, one of the most influential singers in music history.
Aretha became known worldwide as the “Queen of Soul.” She had a successful career that lasted more than six decades and earned 18 Grammy Awards.
Although Carl did not work in music, her connection to Aretha brought public attention to her life. Reports state that Aretha accepted Carl as her sister and included her in her will, leaving her $50,000 in one version of the document.
Other Franklin Siblings
Carl shared her father with several other children, including:
Erma Franklin
Erma Franklin was a gospel and soul singer. She was best known for recording the original version of “Piece of My Heart.” She died in 2002 from lung cancer.
Carolyn Franklin
Carolyn Franklin was a singer and songwriter. She wrote songs for Aretha Franklin and worked in the music industry. She died in 1989 from breast cancer.
Reverend Cecil Franklin
Cecil Franklin followed his father’s religious path and became a reverend. He served as assistant pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. He died in 1989.
Vaughn Franklin
Vaughn Franklin was another child connected to C. L. Franklin. He served in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. He died in 2002.
Career and Personal Life
Carl Ellan Kelley did not follow the entertainment path of many members of her family.
According to reports, she worked as a nurse for many years. She lived a quiet life and avoided the public attention that followed her father and half-siblings.
Information about her education and professional background is limited.
Husband and Relationships
Carl Ellan Kelley kept her personal life private.
There is no publicly confirmed information about her husband or marriage. She rarely discussed her relationships with the media.
Children
Carl had two known children:
- Charles G. Smith
- Herman E. Wheatley III
She also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren before her death.
Her children and grandchildren remembered her as a caring family member who lived away from public attention.
Death and Burial
Carl Ellan Kelley died on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78.
Reports state that she died at her home in Detroit, Michigan. Her cause of death was reported as a heart attack after dealing with heart problems.
She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, where several members of the Franklin family are also buried.
Net Worth
Carl Ellan Kelley’s exact net worth is not publicly known.
She was not a public entertainer or business personality, and details about her finances were kept private.
Social Media and Public Presence
Carl Ellan Kelley did not have a major public presence on social media.
She lived privately and rarely appeared in public. Most information about her life became available because of her connection to Aretha Franklin and the Franklin family.
Interesting Facts
- Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee.
- She was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings.
- She was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin.
- She was raised by her grandmother during childhood.
- She contacted her father for the first time when she was around 17 years old.
- She had two children, Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III.
- She worked as a nurse, according to reports.
- She died on January 30, 2019, at age 78.
- She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
- She lived a private life despite being connected to one of America’s most famous musical families.
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