Introduction: Why Carl Ellan Kelley’s Story Matters
When people think of the Franklin family, the name that shines the brightest is Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul.” But beyond the spotlight lies a complex family history, one that includes a lesser-known sister, Carl Ellan Kelley. Her life was not filled with fame and music stages, but rather with resilience, hidden truths, and an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. Born under scandalous circumstances yet tied forever to one of America’s most iconic musical families, Carl Ellan Kelley’s story reveals another side of the Franklin legacy.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Carl Ellan Kelley
Date of Birth: November 17, 1940
Place of Birth: United States
Parents: Rev. Clarence LaVaughn 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
Death: January 2019
Known For: Half-sister of Aretha Franklin
Legacy: Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; part of the Franklin family story
Early Life and Birth Background
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in a situation that would follow her for life. Her father was Reverend Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, a celebrated Baptist preacher and civil rights leader known for his powerful voice and influence in the African American church. Her mother was Mildred Jennings, who was only twelve years old when she gave birth. This fact alone shocked many and created whispers in the community that never fully disappeared. Because of her young mother’s age and the scandal surrounding her birth, Carl was raised not by Mildred but by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, who gave her the stability she needed in childhood.
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The Hidden Daughter Of Reverend C. L. Franklin
Reverend C. L. Franklin was respected across the nation. He pastored at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, recorded sermons that reached millions, and was even called the man with the “million-dollar voice.” Yet behind his public image, his private life was complicated. He was known for his charisma, his influence in civil rights, and his friendships with great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. At the same time, his relationships with women sparked controversy. The existence of Carl Ellan Kelley as his illegitimate daughter was a secret that many in his congregation and community whispered about but few spoke openly. For Carl, this meant growing up aware of who her father was but never truly being part of his family until she was nearly an adult.
First Contact With Her Father At 17
Carl always knew that Reverend Franklin was her father, but it wasn’t until she was a teenager on the verge of adulthood that she reached out to him. At about seventeen years old, she wrote a heartfelt letter to her father, hoping to connect and to finally know the man whose name carried so much weight. The letter was delivered through Reverend A. R. Williams, a Memphis minister who was close to Franklin and acted almost like a bridge between them. Surprisingly, Franklin did not contact Carl directly after receiving her letter. Instead, he spoke with Reverend Williams. According to accounts, Williams pressured Franklin to acknowledge Carl, urging him to accept his responsibility. Though reluctant at first, Franklin eventually agreed, and this marked the beginning of their fragile but life-changing relationship.
The Complicated Father–Daughter Relationship
When Carl finally met her father in Detroit, the moment was bittersweet. On one hand, Franklin acknowledged her, which gave her a sense of belonging. On the other hand, she always felt as if he was pressured into doing so. He never publicly spoke about her in church, nor did he seek forgiveness from his congregations in Detroit or Memphis. For a man who preached about truth and faith, this silence left a shadow over their relationship. Still, over time, Carl and her father grew closer. When she visited him in New Orleans, she stood by his side as he preached. Later, when she lived in Seattle, their bond matured into a more natural father-daughter connection. For Carl, the journey from secrecy to acceptance was complicated, but she made the most of it.
Meeting The Franklin Family
Meeting her siblings was another turning point in Carl’s life. She traveled to Detroit to be introduced to the children of Reverend Franklin, who by then were already familiar names in gospel and soul music. Her reception was mixed at first. Aretha Franklin, already balancing fame and motherhood, welcomed her half-sister. Erma Franklin, a gifted singer in her own right, and Cecil Franklin, who followed in their father’s footsteps as a minister, also accepted her. Their grandmother, Rachel Franklin, lovingly known as “Big Mama,” embraced Carl wholeheartedly. The only exception was Carolyn Franklin, who remained distant. Despite this, Carl became part of the family circle, and although she never lived under the same spotlight as her famous siblings, her presence was quietly acknowledged within the Franklin household.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Own Family
Outside of the Franklin legacy, Carl built a family of her own. She had three children: Vivian Smith, who passed away before her, Herman E. Wheatly III, and Charles G. Smith. Through them, she became a grandmother and even a great-grandmother by the time she passed away in 2019. Though not a celebrity, Carl lived a life marked by devotion to her family. Her descendants carry her memory forward, showing that her story extended far beyond her famous surname.
Relationship With Aretha Franklin
The bond between Carl Ellan Kelley and Aretha Franklin was particularly meaningful. By the time Carl joined the family, Aretha was already a mother of two and rising in her career. Despite the differences in their lives, the sisters built a connection that lasted through the years. This bond became clear when Aretha drafted her will in 2014. Among her many bequests, Aretha left $50,000 to Carl Ellan Kelley, a significant gesture that symbolized love, recognition, and respect. This act showed the world that Carl was not just a hidden sister but truly part of the Franklin family story.
Later Life And Passing
As the years went on, Carl chose a quieter life, far away from stages and cameras. She eventually settled in Seattle, where she lived until her death in January 2019. By then, she was remembered not just as Aretha Franklin’s sister but also as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who had built her own legacy of love and family. Her passing marked the end of a life that began in controversy but unfolded with dignity.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Place In The Franklin Legacy
While Carl never became a household name, her life is essential in understanding the Franklin family’s history. She was a reminder of the dual nature of her father, Reverend C. L. Franklin — a man celebrated for his sermons and activism but also criticized for his personal choices. Carl’s journey into the family was not easy, but in the end, she claimed her rightful place among her siblings. Her story adds depth to the narrative of Aretha Franklin’s life, showing the complexities of family, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Lessons From Carl Ellan Kelley’s Life
Carl’s life holds lessons about resilience and the search for identity. She grew up with the burden of secrecy yet never let it define her completely. By reaching out to her father at seventeen, she took control of her story and changed its course. Her acceptance within the Franklin family shows that even in complicated situations, love and recognition are possible. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family ties, and the courage to seek truth, even when it is difficult.
Conclusion: Remembering Carl Ellan Kelley
Carl Ellan Kelley’s name may never appear in the headlines like her sister Aretha’s, but her life deserves to be remembered. She was more than a secret child or a half-sister to a superstar. She was a woman who built a life, raised a family, and fought to be acknowledged. In remembering Carl, we gain a fuller picture of the Franklin family, one that is not just about fame and music but also about struggle, forgiveness, and the bonds that endure.
FAQs About Carl Ellan Kelley
Who was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of legendary singer Aretha Franklin. She was the daughter of Rev. C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, born in 1940, and became part of the Franklin family later in life.
Why was Carl Ellan Kelley considered a hidden daughter?
She was born out of an affair between Rev. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, who was only twelve years old at the time. Because of the scandal, Carl was raised by her grandmother and was not acknowledged publicly for many years.
When did Carl Ellan Kelley first meet her father?
She first reached out to her father at around seventeen years old by writing him a letter. Their meeting marked the beginning of their complicated but meaningful relationship.
How was Carl’s relationship with Aretha Franklin?
Carl and Aretha had a positive relationship, and Aretha even left Carl $50,000 in her will. This showed the closeness and acceptance that developed between them.
Did Carl Ellan Kelley have children?
Yes, she had three children: Vivian Smith, Herman E. Wheatly III, and Charles G. Smith. She also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
When did Carl Ellan Kelley pass away?
She passed away in January 2019 after living a full life surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
What is Carl Ellan Kelley’s legacy?
Her legacy lies in her resilience, her role as a loving mother and grandmother, and her place in the Franklin family story, which adds depth and humanity to the legacy of Aretha Franklin.
