Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley? Facts About Aretha Franklin’s Lesser-Known Sister

When people think of Aretha Franklin, the legendary “Queen of Soul,” they often picture her powerful voice and groundbreaking influence in music. But behind the spotlight, her family story holds many layers, including one that remained hidden for years. One of the most intriguing figures in this story is Carl Ellan Kelley, Aretha Franklin’s lesser-known sister. Unlike Aretha and some of her other siblings who lived much of their lives in public view, Carl’s life unfolded mostly outside the limelight. Her story, however, is filled with resilience, family secrets, reconciliation, and a quiet strength that deserves recognition.

Quick Bio Information

• Full Name: Carl Ellan Kelley

• Date Of Birth: November 17, 1940

• Place Of Birth: United States

• Parents: Rev. C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings

• Raised By: Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry (grandmother)

• Siblings: Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Cecil Franklin

• Children: Vivian Smith, Herman E. Wheatly III, Charles G. Smith

• Known For: Half-sister of Aretha Franklin

• Date Of Death: January 2019

• Legacy: Remembered as part of the Franklin family and for her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

Early Life And Background

Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in an environment that shaped much of her life’s journey. She was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin, one of the most prominent Baptist ministers of his time, and Mildred Jennings, who was shockingly just 12 years old when Carl was born. Unlike her half-siblings in Detroit, Carl did not grow up in the Franklin household. Instead, she was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, who provided stability and guidance during her early years. For much of her childhood, she lived without direct connection to her famous father or her siblings.

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The Scandal Surrounding Her Birth

The circumstances of Carl Ellan Kelley’s birth were deeply controversial and carried lasting implications. Her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, was admired as a preacher, civil rights leader, and community figure, but privately he was involved in relationships that sparked rumors. The fact that Carl’s mother was so young at the time of her birth created a scandal that the Franklin family worked hard to keep private. While Rev. Franklin was known for his charisma and strong leadership, Carl’s existence reminded many of the contradictions between his public image and his personal choices. This scandal not only shaped Carl’s life but also made her father reluctant to openly acknowledge her.

Growing Up Without Her Father

For Carl, growing up meant knowing who her father was but living without his presence. This absence left questions about identity and belonging that many children in similar situations often face. Being raised by her grandmother gave her a safe and nurturing environment, but she could not escape the curiosity about the other side of her family. She knew she was connected to a well-known figure, yet her life remained separate from that legacy. As she approached adulthood, these feelings grew stronger and eventually led her to seek out a relationship with her father.

First Contact With Rev. C. L. Franklin

When Carl was nearly 18, she decided to reach out to her father for the first time. She wrote him a letter, expressing her desire to connect and understand her place in his life. Instead of replying directly, Rev. Franklin first spoke with Rev. A. R. Williams, a minister in Memphis who was close to both Carl and her father. After encouragement from Williams, Rev. Franklin finally took steps to acknowledge Carl. His hesitation showed how sensitive the situation was, not only because of the scandal but also because his children in Detroit had no idea they had another sister.

Meeting Her Father And Being Acknowledged

Eventually, Carl traveled to Detroit to meet her father face-to-face. This meeting marked a turning point. Rev. Franklin did acknowledge her as his daughter, though Carl believed he did so reluctantly and under pressure. Still, this recognition opened the door for her to meet her siblings and begin forming bonds with them. While the encounter carried mixed emotions, it gave Carl the opportunity to finally step into the Franklin family circle, even if it was not entirely on her father’s terms.

Building Relationships With Her Famous Siblings

Carl’s introduction to her siblings was not easy at first, but it eventually led to meaningful connections. Among them were Aretha Franklin, already making her mark in music, and Erma Franklin, who would later record the original version of “Piece of My Heart.” Another sister, Carolyn Franklin, and their brother Cecil Franklin were also part of this musical and religious family. While the revelation of another sister initially shook the family, one person who embraced Carl immediately was Rachel Franklin, known as “Big Mama.” She welcomed Carl with love, helping ease the tension. Over time, Carl found her place within the family, forming a relationship with Aretha that would prove lasting.

Life With Her Father After Reconciliation

Although Rev. Franklin eventually welcomed Carl into his personal life, he never publicly acknowledged her in front of his congregations. For someone who preached so openly, this silence reflected his struggle to reconcile his image with his private actions. Despite this, Carl continued to visit him, and as time went on, their relationship became more natural. When she moved to New Orleans and later to Seattle, she often joined her father at church services, standing by his side as part of the family. While their bond was imperfect, it represented growth and a measure of reconciliation.

Carl Ellan Kelley’s Own Family

Beyond her role as a daughter and sister, Carl Ellan Kelley built her own family and legacy. She had three children: Vivian Smith, who sadly passed away before her, Herman E. Wheatly III, and Charles G. Smith. By the time she died, Carl was also a grandmother and great-grandmother, leaving behind a growing family tree of her own. While she may not have had the fame of her siblings, her role as a mother and matriarch carried deep meaning for those closest to her.

Connection With Aretha Franklin

Perhaps the most significant sibling bond Carl formed was with Aretha Franklin. Though they met later in life, the relationship between them grew strong enough that Aretha included Carl in her 2014 will. She left her half-sister $50,000, a meaningful gesture that showed care and recognition. For Carl, this was a sign that even though she had entered the Franklin family later than most, she was truly embraced as part of Aretha’s inner circle.

Later Life And Death

Carl lived a quiet life compared to her siblings. After spending time in New Orleans and Seattle, she continued focusing on her family and personal relationships. She passed away in January 2019, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Though she never became a public figure, her story is one of resilience, reconciliation, and quiet strength.

Legacy Of Carl Ellan Kelley

The legacy of Carl Ellan Kelley goes beyond being Aretha Franklin’s sister. Her life story reflects the complexities of family, the challenges of hidden truths, and the power of reconciliation. She represents a different side of the Franklin family—one that lived away from the stage but still carried the same resilience and spirit. Remembering Carl is important not just for understanding the Franklin family’s history but also for honoring her as a woman who created her own path despite difficult beginnings.

Conclusion: Remembering Carl Ellan Kelley

Carl Ellan Kelley’s life story may not have been lived on the stage like her sister Aretha Franklin’s, but it carries its own significance. Born into controversy, raised away from her father, and later welcomed into a famous family, Carl’s journey reflects strength, courage, and forgiveness. She may be remembered as Aretha Franklin’s lesser-known sister, but her real legacy lies in the family she created, the relationships she built, and the quiet resilience she embodied throughout her life.

FAQs About Carl Ellan Kelley

Who was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin and the daughter of Rev. C. L. Franklin. She lived a mostly private life and passed away in January 2019.

When was Carl Ellan Kelley born?
She was born on November 17, 1940.

Who were Carl Ellan Kelley’s parents?
Her father was Rev. C. L. Franklin, a well-known Baptist minister, and her mother was Mildred Jennings, who was only 12 years old when Carl was born.

Did Carl Ellan Kelley have siblings?
Yes, through her father she was related to Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, and Cecil Franklin.

Did Aretha Franklin have a relationship with Carl Ellan Kelley?
Yes, they developed a relationship later in life. Aretha even left Carl $50,000 in her will, showing their bond.

Did Carl Ellan Kelley have children?
Yes, she had three children—Vivian Smith, Herman E. Wheatly III, and Charles G. Smith—as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When did Carl Ellan Kelley die?
She passed away in January 2019.