Carl Ellan Kelley: Biography, Family Ties, and Life Story Revealed
Early Life and Complex Beginnings
Carl Ellan Kelley, born Carol Ellan Franklin Kelley on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin, a noted civil-rights–era Baptist minister, and Mildred Jennings, then a 12-year-old member of his congregation. Due to the circumstances of her birth, Carl Ellan was raised not by her parents but by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, growing up distanced from the bustling spotlight of the Franklin household.
Connection to the Franklin Legacy
Though largely off the radar, Carl Ellan was half‑sister to iconic figures such as Erma, Carolyn, Aretha, and Cecil Franklin—children of C. L. and his wife, Barbara. Her connection to this celebrated family, especially to her sister Aretha, was often unspoken yet undeniable.
Reaching Out to Her Father
Carl Ellan always knew who her father was. Yet, it wasn’t until she was about 17 that she took the courageous step of writing to him, seeking acknowledgment. Reverend Franklin responded indirectly—through a minister who urged him to accept her as his daughter. Eventually, Carl Ellan traveled to Detroit and was formally recognized, though it was a complex and emotionally charged reunion with her high-profile family.
Career and Personal Life — A Quiet Existence
Carl Ellan chose a life away from fame. She worked for many years as a nurse, embracing service and discretion over public recognition. She was a loving mother to two sons—Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III—and a cherished grandmother to numerous grandchildren and even great‑grandchildren, remembered fondly by those close to her.
Relationship with Aretha Franklin
Though Carl Ellan lived far from the recording studios and stages of her famous sister, her place in the Franklin family was affirmed. Aretha Franklin honored her sister with a $50,000 provision in her will—evidence of acknowledgment and affection, despite Carl’s absence from the public eye.
Passing with Dignity
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, in her late seventies, succumbing to heart disease complications. Her funeral was held in Memphis, with services attended by family and loved ones, and she was laid to rest at Evergreen‑Washelli Cemetery in Seattle—a dignified farewell for a quietly remarkable life.
Legacy: Strength in Quiet Resilience
Carl Ellan Kelley’s narrative isn’t one filled with stage lights or fame. Instead, it’s filled with quiet strength, resilience, and the tender devotion of motherhood and community service. Her life stands as a deeply human counterpoint to the brilliance of her more famed relatives, and a reminder that dignity can be dignified even in anonymity.
At a Glance: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carol Ellan Franklin Kelley |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Parents | Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings (rape survivor) |
| Raised By | Grandmother Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry |
| Half-Siblings | Erma, Carolyn, Aretha, Cecil Franklin |
| Profession | Nurse |
| Children | Charles G. Smith; Herman E. Wheatley III |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2019 |
| Burial Location | Evergreen‑Washelli Cemetery, Seattle |
FAQs
1. Who was Carl Ellan Kelley?
She was the half‑sister of Aretha Franklin and the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, born in 1940 and raised by her grandmother.
2. Why didn’t she grow up with her family?
Because of the tragic and illicit nature of her birth, she was separated and raised by her grandmother—abdicated from both parents’ care.
3. What was her career?
Carl Ellan lived a life of service, working primarily as a nurse, choosing privacy over public life.
4. Did Aretha acknowledge her sister?
Yes—Aretha included Carl Ellan in her will, considering her in decisions and extending both familial love and financial recognition.
5. When did Carl Ellan pass away, and what was her cause of death?
She passed on January 30, 2019, at age 78, due to complications from heart disease, and was laid to rest in Seattle.
Conclusion
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life story—though largely hidden from the spotlight—reveals a journey defined by quiet courage, resilience, and the strength of personal legacy. Positioned at the margins of one of America’s most talented families, she lived an authentic, self-defined life that speaks volumes about choices, identity, and the ways we build quiet meaning.
