Carl Ellan Kelley was an American woman best known as the older half-sister of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, widely celebrated as the Queen of Soul. Born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, Carl was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings. While Aretha became one of the most famous singers in music history, Carl lived a much quieter life, mostly outside the entertainment world. Her childhood was also very different from that of her famous siblings. But who was Carl Ellan Kelley, why did she grow up away from the Franklin household, and what happened to her before her death in January 2019?
Carl’s life was connected to one of America’s most important musical families.
Her father, Reverend C. L. Franklin, was a famous Baptist minister whose powerful sermons attracted audiences across the country.
Her half-sister Aretha became a global music icon, recording unforgettable songs such as Respect, Think, and A Natural Woman.
However, Carl did not pursue the same public career.
Instead, she built a life centered on her own family, children, and personal responsibilities.
Her story is especially important because it reveals a lesser-known chapter of the Franklin family’s history.
Carl Ellan Kelley Quick Bio
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Ellan Franklin Kelley |
| Other Recorded Names | Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly, Carol Ellan Kelley |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 78 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Reverend C. L. Franklin |
| Mother | Mildred Jennings |
| Raised By | Grandmother Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry |
| Famous Half-Sister | Aretha Franklin |
| Other Half-Siblings | Erma, Cecil, Carolyn Franklin and other family members |
| Known Children | Herman E. Wheatley III, Charles G. Smith, Vivian Smith |
| Grandchildren | Seven listed in her obituary |
| Great-Grandchild | Ariya, listed in her obituary |
| Profession | Not firmly established in reliable public records |
| Marriage | Details not publicly confirmed |
| Known For | Being Aretha Franklin’s older paternal half-sister |
| Funeral Service | February 6, 2019 |
| Burial Location | Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, Seattle, Washington |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the daughter of Reverend Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, commonly known as C. L. Franklin.
Her father became one of the most influential Black Baptist ministers of his generation.
He was also the father of Aretha Franklin.
This made Carl and Aretha paternal half-sisters.
However, they had different mothers and did not grow up under the same circumstances.
Carl was raised primarily by her grandmother.
Her childhood took place away from much of the attention that later surrounded the Franklin household.
Unlike Aretha, Carl did not become a professional singer.
There is also no established evidence that she pursued a public acting or entertainment career.
Her name became more widely recognized through family histories and reporting about Aretha Franklin.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Early Life in Memphis
Carl was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Her birth took place during a period when her father was involved in Baptist ministry.
At the time, C. L. Franklin served at New Salem Baptist Church in Memphis.
His preaching career was developing, and he would later become nationally recognized.
However, Carl’s childhood did not follow the same path as his children from his marriage to Barbara Siggers.
Growing Up With Her Grandmother
Carl’s funeral-home obituary identifies her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, as the person who raised her.
This is one of the most important confirmed details about her childhood.
Rather than being raised primarily in her father’s household, Carl grew up under her grandmother’s care.
The arrangement meant her early family environment differed from that of Aretha and several other Franklin children.
However, the exact details of her childhood household, education, and everyday experiences are not extensively documented.
Why Was Carl Raised Separately?
Carl’s birth occurred under difficult circumstances involving her parents.
Her mother, Mildred Jennings, was a child when Carl was born.
Historical accounts identify Mildred as approximately 12 years old at the time.
C. L. Franklin was an adult minister.
This is an important and troubling part of the family history.
A child cannot meaningfully consent to a sexual relationship with an adult.
The circumstances should therefore be understood as child sexual abuse, rather than described as an ordinary romantic relationship.
Carl herself had no responsibility for the circumstances of her birth.
Her grandmother’s role in raising her became an important part of her early life.
Who Were Carl Ellan Kelley’s Parents?
Carl’s parents were Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings.
Their backgrounds were very different.
C. L. Franklin became a nationally influential minister.
Mildred remained a largely private person whose life was rarely documented in public reporting.
Her Father, Reverend C. L. Franklin
Clarence LaVaughn Franklin was born on January 22, 1915, in Mississippi.
He became famous for his powerful preaching voice.
His sermons attracted enormous audiences and were distributed through recordings.
Because of his popularity, he became known as the minister with the “Million-Dollar Voice.”
He also played an important role in Detroit’s religious community.
In 1946, he became pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church.
His influence extended beyond church services.
He supported civil rights activities and maintained connections with prominent activists and musicians.
C. L. Franklin’s Influence on Gospel Music
C. L. Franklin’s sermons helped shape modern Black religious broadcasting.
His recordings reached listeners far beyond Detroit.
He was also closely connected to gospel music.
His daughter Aretha grew up surrounded by powerful singers and church musicians.
This environment influenced her early musical development.
However, Carl’s separate childhood meant she did not necessarily experience the same household environment.
It would be inaccurate to assume the sisters had identical upbringings.
Who Was Mildred Jennings?
Mildred Jennings was Carl Ellan Kelley’s mother.
She was connected to the church community in Memphis where C. L. Franklin worked.
Historical accounts describe her as approximately 12 years old when Carl was born in 1940.
The situation involved a serious imbalance of age and authority.
C. L. Franklin was an adult religious leader.
Mildred was a child.
What Happened to Mildred Jennings?
Very little reliable public information describes Mildred’s later life.
Her professional background, relationships, and date of death are not consistently documented.
This lack of information should not be mistaken for evidence that her experiences were unimportant.
Rather, it reflects the limited historical attention given to private individuals, particularly young girls in vulnerable situations.
Mildred’s name remains part of the Franklin family’s history because she was Carl’s mother.
Carl Ellan Kelley and Aretha Franklin’s Relationship
Carl was Aretha Franklin’s older paternal half-sister.
Both women shared the same father, Reverend C. L. Franklin.
However, their mothers were different.
Aretha was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis.
This made her approximately sixteen months younger than Carl.
Did Carl and Aretha Grow Up Together?
No reliable public evidence establishes that the sisters were raised together.
Carl’s obituary confirms that her grandmother raised her.
Aretha spent part of her childhood in the Franklin household.
After the family moved to Detroit, Aretha became increasingly involved in church music.
The sisters therefore experienced different childhood circumstances.
Were Carl and Aretha Close?
There is limited reliable information describing their private relationship.
Some biographies suggest Carl later developed connections with her father’s family.
However, the exact nature of her relationship with Aretha is not extensively documented through firsthand interviews.
It would therefore be misleading to claim that they were either exceptionally close or permanently estranged.
What is established is their biological family connection.
Carl’s obituary also identified Aretha among the family members who died before her.
Who Was Aretha Franklin?
Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942.
She became one of the most influential singers in American music history.
Her career included gospel, soul, rhythm and blues, and popular music.
She earned the nickname Queen of Soul because of her extraordinary voice and musical influence.
Aretha Franklin’s Early Musical Career
Aretha began singing in church when she was young.
Her father encouraged her musical development.
As she grew older, she started performing and recording professionally.
Her early career included gospel recordings.
She later moved toward popular music.
Her powerful voice helped distinguish her from other performers.
Respect and International Fame
Aretha’s recording of Respect became one of her defining songs.
Released in 1967, it became associated with confidence, independence, and empowerment.
She also recorded successful songs such as Think, Chain of Fools, and I Say a Little Prayer.
Her recordings influenced generations of musicians.
Aretha Franklin’s Awards and Achievements
Aretha won 18 Grammy Awards during her career.
In 1987, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She also received major national honors.
Her career helped shape American soul music and inspired performers around the world.
For Carl, Aretha was not merely a famous singer.
She was also a member of her extended family.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Other Half-Siblings
The Franklin family included several children from different relationships.
Carl’s obituary listed a number of siblings who died before her.
These included Aretha, Erma, Cecil, Carolyn, Clark E. Turner, and Charles E. Jennings.
Some relationships came through her father, while others reflected her wider family background.
Erma Franklin
Erma Franklin was born in 1938.
She became a singer and was especially known for her original recording of Piece of My Heart.
The song later became widely associated with Janis Joplin.
Erma also performed as a backing vocalist.
She died in 2002.
Reverend Cecil Franklin
Cecil Franklin was born in 1940.
He followed his father’s religious path and became a minister.
He also worked in music management and was involved in Aretha’s career.
Cecil died in 1989.
Carolyn Franklin
Carolyn Franklin was born in 1944.
She became a singer and songwriter.
Her work included writing songs for Aretha.
Carolyn died in 1988.
Together, these siblings formed part of a family with deep connections to gospel and soul music.
Carl, however, remained outside the public musical careers that made several of them famous.
Did Carl Ellan Kelley Become a Singer?
There is no widely verified evidence that Carl pursued a professional singing career.
She was related to one of the most famous musical families in American history.
However, family connections do not automatically mean someone shares the same profession.
Several Franklin relatives became singers or musicians.
Carl did not develop an established public discography.
There are no widely recognized albums or major recording credits associated with her.
Her own professional history remains less documented.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Education
Details about Carl’s education are limited.
Her funeral-home obituary identifies her birthplace and grandmother but does not provide a complete academic history.
No widely verified records establish her high school, college, or university.
Some online biographies suggest particular career paths.
However, specific educational qualifications should not be invented without reliable evidence.
The most accurate conclusion is that her formal schooling remains largely undocumented in public biographical records.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Professional Life
Carl lived for 78 years, but her complete employment history is not widely reported.
Some secondary biographies describe her as having worked in nursing.
Others mention employment connected to Boeing.
However, these details are not consistently supported by major biographical records.
Her obituary does not provide a definitive career summary.
For that reason, it would be misleading to describe her as a confirmed nurse or business executive without stronger evidence.
Her publicly documented life centers primarily on her family relationships.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Children
Carl was a mother.
Her funeral-home obituary identified three children.
They were Herman E. Wheatley III, Charles G. Smith, and Vivian Smith.
Vivian died before Carl.
Her obituary listed Herman and Charles among her surviving children.
Herman E. Wheatley III
Herman E. Wheatley III was one of Carl’s sons.
He was named among her surviving family members in 2019.
However, his professional and personal life has not been extensively documented in major public reporting.
Charles G. Smith
Charles G. Smith was another of Carl’s sons.
He was also listed among her surviving children.
Like Herman, he has generally remained outside entertainment publicity.
Vivian Smith
Vivian Smith was Carl’s daughter.
Her obituary identified Vivian as having died before her mother.
However, it did not provide a detailed account of Vivian’s life or the circumstances of her death.
These private family details should not be filled with speculation.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Grandchildren
Carl’s obituary identified seven grandchildren.
Their names were Alyssa, Rayden, Amaria, Herman IV, Justin, Tevin, and Detric.
It also listed a great-grandchild named Ariya.
These details reveal an important part of Carl’s later life.
Although her connection to Aretha Franklin made her recognizable in family histories, she also had children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild of her own.
Her family legacy extended beyond the famous Franklin surname.
Was Carl Ellan Kelley Married?
Carl’s marital history is not thoroughly documented.
Her use of the surnames Kelley and Kelly appears in different public records.
Her obituary also identifies her as Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly.
However, available information does not clearly establish the names of all her spouses or the dates of any marriages.
It would therefore be inaccurate to construct a detailed marriage history without sufficient evidence.
Her children and wider family relationships are better documented than her romantic life.
Why Is Her Name Written as Carl Ellan Kelley?
Her name sometimes creates confusion because Carl is more commonly used as a masculine given name.
However, Carl Ellan Kelley was a woman.
The spelling appears in her funeral-home obituary.
Other records use variations such as Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly and Carol Ellan Kelley.
Carl, Carol, Kelley, or Kelly?
Historical and biographical records sometimes contain spelling differences.
Names may change through marriage, family usage, clerical errors, or later transcription.
In Carl’s case, the surviving records do not consistently use one version.
The funeral-home obituary uses Carl Ellan Kelley in its title and Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly in its text.
Therefore, both forms appear in records connected to the same woman.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Father and the Civil Rights Movement
Reverend C. L. Franklin was more than a religious leader.
He was also associated with civil rights activities.
His influence became particularly important in Detroit.
During the 1960s, many Black churches played important roles in organizing civil rights events.
C. L. Franklin supported the movement and had connections with Martin Luther King Jr.
His church became an important community institution.
The 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom
In June 1963, Detroit hosted the Walk to Freedom.
The demonstration attracted a large crowd supporting civil rights.
Martin Luther King Jr. participated in the event.
C. L. Franklin helped organize the march.
This event took place several months before the famous March on Washington.
The Franklin family’s public history was therefore connected to both music and civil rights.
However, Carl’s personal participation in these activities has not been established.
What Happened to Reverend C. L. Franklin?
C. L. Franklin experienced a major tragedy in 1979.
He was shot during a robbery at his home in Detroit.
The attack left him seriously injured.
He remained in a coma for several years.
He died on July 27, 1984, at the age of 69.
His death was an important event in the Franklin family’s history.
Carl was approximately 43 years old at the time.
However, her private reaction and involvement in family arrangements were not widely documented.
Carl Ellan Kelley and the Death of Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76.
Her death attracted international attention.
Fans, musicians, politicians, and celebrities paid tribute to her extraordinary career.
The loss also brought renewed attention to the Franklin family’s history.
Carl was still alive when Aretha died.
She passed away approximately five months later.
Did Carl Attend Aretha’s Funeral?
There is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation establishing Carl’s attendance at Aretha’s funeral.
The service was a major event attended by many prominent figures.
However, not every private family member was individually documented in entertainment coverage.
It would be inaccurate to claim Carl attended or did not attend without dependable evidence.
Her obituary later included Aretha among the siblings who had died before her.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Death in January 2019
Carl Ellan Kelley died on January 30, 2019.
She was 78 years old.
Her death was confirmed through the obituary published by Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis.
The obituary also identified her parents, grandmother, children, grandchildren, and other relatives.
What Was Carl Ellan Kelley’s Cause of Death?
Her obituary did not provide a clearly confirmed medical cause of death.
Some websites describe illnesses or other circumstances.
However, those claims lack sufficient trustworthy documentation.
The accurate statement is that Carl Ellan Kelley’s cause of death has not been publicly verified.
Her Funeral Service
Her family held a visitation on February 5, 2019.
The funeral service followed on February 6.
The arrangements were handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis.
Her obituary indicated that she would later be laid to rest at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.
These details provide an established record of her final arrangements.
How Old Was Carl Ellan Kelley When She Died?
Carl was born on November 17, 1940.
She died on January 30, 2019.
Therefore, she was 78 years old at the time of her death.
Some shorter obituary notices incorrectly listed her age as 79.
However, the full funeral-home record includes both her birth and death dates, which establish her age as 78.
Had she lived, Carl would have turned 86 in November 2026.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Net Worth
There are no reliable public financial records establishing Carl’s net worth.
She did not become a major recording artist or public entertainment personality.
Her professional income and personal assets were not widely documented.
Some celebrity biography websites publish financial estimates.
However, those numbers do not have sufficient evidence.
Her half-sister Aretha’s success also cannot be used to determine Carl’s individual wealth.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s exact net worth remains unknown.
Why Is Carl Ellan Kelley Famous?
Carl became known because of her connection to Aretha Franklin.
Aretha remains one of the most celebrated singers in music history.
Her influence continues through recordings, documentaries, films, and biographical books.
As fans explore her family background, they discover Carl’s name.
However, Carl’s story is not simply about sharing a famous father.
It also highlights differences in childhood, family recognition, and personal opportunity.
She grew up separately from several of her siblings.
Her mother was very young when she was born.
Her grandmother raised her.
These details make her biography an important part of understanding the wider Franklin family.
Interesting Facts About Carl Ellan Kelley
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She was Aretha Franklin’s older half-sister. They shared the same father, Reverend C. L. Franklin.
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She was born on November 17, 1940. Her birthplace was Memphis, Tennessee.
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Her mother was Mildred Jennings. Historical accounts identify Mildred as a child when Carl was born.
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Her grandmother raised her. Her obituary names Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry.
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She had three children. Their names were Herman, Charles, and Vivian.
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Her daughter Vivian died before her. This was recorded in Carl’s obituary.
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She had seven grandchildren. Her obituary listed their names.
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She died in 2019. Her death came approximately five months after Aretha Franklin’s.
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She was 78 when she died. Her birth and death dates establish her age.
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Her name has several spellings. Records use Carl Ellan Kelley, Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly, and Carol Ellan Kelley.
Why Carl Ellan Kelley’s Story Matters
Carl’s biography offers a different view of the Franklin family.
The family’s public history is filled with remarkable achievements.
Aretha changed popular music.
Reverend C. L. Franklin became an influential preacher.
Several siblings developed careers in singing and songwriting.
However, Carl’s life followed another direction.
She was born during a difficult family situation.
Her grandmother raised her.
She later became a mother and grandmother.
Her story reminds readers that famous families include people whose lives were never recorded in television interviews or celebrated at award ceremonies.
Their experiences still form part of the larger family history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carl Ellan Kelley
1. Who was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings. She was also the older paternal half-sister of singer Aretha Franklin.
2. When was Carl Ellan Kelley born?
She was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee.
3. Who was Carl Ellan Kelley’s mother?
Her mother was Mildred Jennings, who was approximately 12 years old when Carl was born.
4. Who was Carl Ellan Kelley’s father?
Her father was Reverend C. L. Franklin, a famous Baptist minister and the father of Aretha Franklin.
5. Was Carl Ellan Kelley Aretha Franklin’s biological sister?
They were biological paternal half-sisters because they shared the same father but had different mothers.
6. Who raised Carl Ellan Kelley?
Her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, raised her according to Carl’s funeral-home obituary.
7. Did Carl Ellan Kelley have children?
Yes. Her obituary identified three children: Herman E. Wheatley III, Charles G. Smith, and Vivian Smith.
8. Was Carl Ellan Kelley a singer?
There is no widely verified evidence that she pursued a professional singing career.
9. When did Carl Ellan Kelley die?
She died on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78.
10. What caused Carl Ellan Kelley’s death?
Her exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
11. Where was Carl Ellan Kelley buried?
Her funeral-home obituary indicated that she would be laid to rest at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.
12. What was Carl Ellan Kelley’s net worth?
Her net worth was not publicly verified.
Final Thoughts
Carl Ellan Kelley lived a life that was very different from her famous half-sister Aretha Franklin.
Born in Memphis in 1940, she was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings.
Her early family circumstances were difficult, and her grandmother raised her rather than her father.
Although the Franklin family became internationally recognized through gospel and soul music, Carl remained largely outside the entertainment industry.
She built her own family and became a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her life ended on January 30, 2019, just months after Aretha Franklin’s death.
Today, Carl is remembered as an important but lesser-known member of the Franklin family.
Her story deserves careful attention because it includes difficult historical circumstances, family connections, and a private life that cannot be reduced to celebrity fame.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s legacy is not based on hit songs or awards. It is found in her family history, her descendants, and the fuller understanding she provides of one of America’s most influential musical families.
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