Aretha Franklin, celebrated as the Queen of Soul, left an unforgettable mark on music history with her extraordinary voice and legendary career. While millions around the world knew and admired Aretha, few are aware of her extended family, including her half-sister, Carl Ellan Kelley. Unlike her world-renowned sibling, Carl chose to live quietly, embracing a private life away from the glare of fame. This article explores who Carl Ellan Kelley was, her connection to Aretha Franklin, and her place within the enduring Franklin family legacy.
Quick Facts: Carl Ellan Kelley
| Full Name | Carl Ellan Kelley (née Jennings) |
|---|---|
| Born | November 17, 1940—Memphis, Tennessee |
| Parents | Rev. C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings |
| Raised By | Grandmother Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry |
| Profession | Nurse |
| Children | Charles G. Smith, Herman E. Wheatley III, and Vivian Smith (deceased) |
| Died | January 30, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 78 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from heart disease |
| Burial | Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit |
Early Life
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, under difficult circumstances. Her mother, Mildred Jennings, was just 12 when she became pregnant by Rev. C. L. Franklin, then 25. Raised by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, Carl grew up quietly and away from the Franklin spotlight. At 17, she reached out to her father through a letter, a brave step that led to her being acknowledged by the Franklin family.
Relationship with Aretha Franklin
Although Carl Ellan Kelley lived outside the public eye, she shared a meaningful bond with her famous sister. Family was always at the heart of Aretha Franklin’s life, and those close to her often spoke of the value she placed on her siblings. While Erma and Carolyn worked alongside Aretha in the music industry, Carl preferred a private life but remained an important part of the Franklin family’s close-knit support system.
The Franklin Family: A Musical Legacy
The Franklin family stands as a cornerstone of American music and ministry, with talent and influence running through nearly every branch of the family tree.
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Rev. C. L. Franklin: Known as the “Million-Dollar Voice,” he was a nationally renowned preacher and a key figure in the civil rights movement.
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Erma Franklin: A gifted gospel and soul singer, best remembered for the original recording of “Piece of My Heart.”
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Carolyn Franklin: A talented songwriter and vocalist who frequently performed as a backup singer for Aretha.
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Aretha Franklin: The legendary Queen of Soul, whose decades-long career defined an era and reshaped the music industry.
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Cecil Franklin: A respected reverend and Aretha’s trusted business manager during her rise to global fame.
Unlike her musically celebrated siblings, Carl Ellan Kelley lived a quieter life of service. She dedicated herself to nursing and community work, proving that the Franklin name could shine through quiet heroism as much as it did under the bright lights of fame.
Did Carl Ellan Kelley Have Children?
Yes, Carl built a life centered around family. She was the mother of three children:
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Charles G. Smith
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Herman E. Wheatley III
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Vivian Smith (deceased)
She also became a grandmother and great-grandmother, nurturing a close-knit family that valued privacy. Despite her famous lineage, Carl kept her children and their lives largely out of the public eye.
Is Carl Ellan Kelley Still Alive?
Sadly, Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78.
She died at her Detroit home due to complications from heart disease, a condition she had battled for years. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, the same resting place as her father and several of her half-siblings, ensuring she remains forever close to the family she eventually grew to know.
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The Importance of Carl Ellan Kelley in the Franklin Legacy
Though she never sought fame, Carl’s story is an essential piece of the Franklin family history.
A Life of Resilience
Carl’s life began with hardship, yet she grew into a strong, independent woman who forged her own path.
Healing and Connection
Her journey of reaching out to her father and finding a place in the family underscores themes of reconciliation and healing.
Service Over Spotlight
Unlike her iconic siblings, Carl chose a modest life rooted in nursing and community service, proving that legacies are built not only on fame but also on quiet acts of care and dedication.
Recognition from Aretha
Aretha Franklin’s inclusion of Carl in her will highlighted a genuine bond that, while private, carried deep meaning and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Carl Ellan Kelley may not have been a household name like her sister Aretha Franklin, but she remains an important part of the Franklin family legacy. Her quiet, private life stood in sharp contrast to the fame that surrounded her siblings, reminding us that every family story is made up of different chapters—some lived under the public eye, others in peaceful privacy. For fans of Aretha Franklin and those exploring the Franklin family history, learning about Carl Ellan Kelley provides a fuller, more human perspective on the extraordinary journey of the Queen of Soul.
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