Carl Ellan Kelley was a quiet woman who lived a life away from the spotlight, but she was connected to one of the most famous families in music history. Carl was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul. Though she wasn’t as famous as Aretha, Carl’s life story is full of hidden struggles, resilience, and family connections that are worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Carl Ellan Kelley’s early life, her relationship with her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, and her role in the Franklin family. We will also explore her final years and what her legacy means today.
Carl Ellan Kelley Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Ellan Kelley |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 78 years old |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Father | Reverend C.L. Franklin |
| Mother | Mildred Jennings |
| Siblings | Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Rev. Cecil Franklin, Vaughn Franklin |
| Children | Charles G. Smith, Herman E. Wheatley III |
| Occupation | Nurse |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Early Life
Carl Ellan Kelley was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, was a famous Baptist preacher and a civil rights activist. But Carl’s birth came with tragedy. She was the result of her father’s sexual abuse of her mother, Mildred Jennings. At the time, Mildred was just 12 years old.
Because of this difficult situation, Carl was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry. Carl did not grow up with her father or her half-siblings. This left her with a difficult and isolated childhood. Even though she was part of a famous family, Carl’s life was very different from the public image of the Franklin family.
Carl’s Relationship with Her Father
Carl always knew who her father was, but they didn’t have a close relationship. She didn’t meet him until she was 18 years old. At that time, she wrote a letter to Reverend C.L. Franklin, hoping to connect with him and learn about her family. After receiving the letter, Reverend Franklin didn’t reach out to her directly. Instead, he spoke to a minister, who pushed him to acknowledge Carl as his daughter.
Reverend Franklin’s initial refusal to accept Carl publicly was due to the scandal surrounding her birth. The news that he had fathered an illegitimate child caused a stir within his church community. However, after some persuasion, Reverend Franklin agreed to meet Carl. Their first meeting was in Detroit, where Carl visited to meet her half-siblings.
Though their relationship was strained, Carl’s visit to Detroit allowed her to meet some of her family members. It was a challenging experience, but it marked the beginning of Carl’s connection with her father and her siblings.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Children
Carl Ellan Kelley had two children: Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III. Although not much is known about her personal life, Carl’s children and grandchildren remembered her as a loving and caring mother and grandmother. Despite living a quiet life away from the media, Carl was deeply loved by her family.
Her children respected her for the strength she showed throughout her life. Carl’s legacy lives on through her family, even though her life was not as publicly celebrated as her famous sister’s.
The Connection Between Carl and Aretha Franklin
Carl’s relationship with her half-sister, Aretha Franklin, was complicated. Aretha was already an internationally known singer by the time Carl entered her life. While Carl and Aretha were not close, Aretha did leave Carl a significant gesture. In 2014, Aretha left Carl $50,000 in her will, acknowledging her sister despite their distant relationship.
Carl’s story is a reminder that family connections can be difficult and complicated. While she was not in the spotlight like Aretha, Carl’s life still had a significant connection to the Franklin family’s musical legacy.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Siblings
Carl had five half-siblings from her father’s side. These included Erma, Carolyn, Aretha, Rev. Cecil, and Vaughn. All of Carl’s siblings were involved in music, and some, like Aretha, became famous for their talents. Aretha Franklin, in particular, became one of the most iconic singers in history, known as the Queen of Soul.
Carl’s half-sister, Erma Franklin, was also a singer, known for her hit “Piece of My Heart,” which was later popularized by Janis Joplin. Despite the musical success of her siblings, Carl’s relationship with them was private. She met some of them later in life, but little is known about how close they were as a family.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Hidden Struggles
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life was filled with hidden struggles that few people knew about. Growing up, she had to deal with the fact that her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, did not acknowledge her for many years. This rejection had a deep impact on her. Carl was also born under difficult circumstances—her mother, Mildred Jennings, was only 12 when she gave birth to Carl, and the situation was filled with shame and scandal.
Even though Carl didn’t speak much about her early life, it’s clear that these experiences shaped her. Despite these challenges, Carl carried on with resilience. She made the best of her situation and lived a quiet life away from the media, far from the spotlight her famous siblings were in. Her ability to overcome these difficult beginnings speaks to her inner strength.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Final Years
In her later years, Carl lived a peaceful and private life in Detroit. She worked as a nurse for many years, providing care and helping others. Carl was not someone who sought attention or fame. She preferred to keep her personal life away from the public eye, focusing instead on her family.
Though Carl’s life wasn’t filled with the excitement and fame of her famous half-sister Aretha, she lived in her own way, quietly raising her children and enjoying time with her family. The simplicity of her life, despite her complicated family background, shows how Carl valued peace and privacy.
Carl Ellan Kelley Death
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78. Her cause of death was a heart attack, and she had struggled with heart problems for years. Carl’s passing marked the end of a life that had been largely kept out of the public eye. She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, where her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, and some of her half-siblings are also buried.
Her death was a sad moment for those who knew her, but it was also a reminder of how important it is to appreciate the quiet strength of those who live without seeking fame or recognition.
Final Thoughts
Carl Ellan Kelley’s life story is a powerful one. It is full of hidden struggles, quiet strength, and resilience. Despite being born under difficult and tragic circumstances, Carl lived a life of dignity and respect. She may not have been in the public eye as much as her famous sister, Aretha Franklin, but her story deserves to be remembered.
Her journey shows us that even in the face of challenges, it’s possible to live a full and meaningful life. Carl’s legacy is one of quiet perseverance, and her story serves as a reminder that strength can come from places most people don’t see. Even though she was a part of a famous family, Carl Ellan Kelley forged her own path and lived her life on her own terms.
(FAQs)
What was Carl Ellan Kelley’s relationship with her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin?
Carl Ellan Kelley’s relationship with her father was complicated. Initially, Reverend Franklin did not acknowledge her, but after Carl reached out to him at 18, he reluctantly recognized her as his daughter. Their relationship was forced and filled with tension, but Carl eventually met her father and some of her siblings.
Did Carl Ellan Kelley have children?
Yes, Carl Ellan Kelley had two children: Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III. Her family was very private, but Carl was remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.
How did Carl Ellan Kelley pass away?
Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, from a heart attack. She had suffered from heart problems for several years before her death. She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, where some of her family members are also buried.
Was Carl Ellan Kelley close to her famous sister, Aretha Franklin?
While Carl and Aretha Franklin had a distant relationship, Aretha did acknowledge Carl in her will, leaving her $50,000. Their relationship, though not very public, showed a level of recognition and respect between the two sisters.
Did Carl Ellan Kelley have any contact with her father?
Yes, although Carl’s father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, initially did not acknowledge her, she reached out to him when she was 18. Their relationship was complicated, but he eventually recognized her as his daughter.
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