Carl Ellan Kelley: The Untold Story of Aretha Franklin’s Secret Sister

Did you know that Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” had a sister that many people didn’t know about? Her name was Carl Ellan Kelley, and her life story is full of secrets, surprises, and strength. While Aretha became one of the most famous singers in the world, Carl lived quietly, far away from the spotlight. But her journey is just as fascinating and worth telling.

In this article, we will explore who Carl Ellan Kelley was, how she grew up, the scandal around her birth, and her connection to the Franklin family. You’ll see how she faced many challenges but still lived a life full of dignity and love.

Carl Ellan Kelley Quick Bio

Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley?

Carl Ellan Kelley was the half-sister of Aretha Franklin. While Aretha’s powerful voice touched millions of people around the world, Carl chose a much quieter life. She was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, and unlike her famous sister, she never tried to become a public figure.

Even though many people didn’t know her name, Carl’s story is an important part of the Franklin family history. She lived through a lot of pain and confusion, but she still built a life filled with care, family, and strength. People who knew her remember her as a kind and loving woman.

Early Life and Childhood

Carl’s childhood was far from easy. Her mother, Mildred Jennings, was only 12 years old when she gave birth to her. This shocking truth made her early life complicated and full of challenges. Her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, was a respected preacher at the time, but her birth caused whispers and gossip in the community.

Because of these difficult circumstances, Carl did not grow up with her parents. Instead, she was raised by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, in Memphis. Imagine being a young girl and knowing your father is a famous preacher but not being part of his life. That was Carl’s reality. She often wondered about her roots and where she truly belonged.

The Scandal Around Her Birth

Carl’s birth was surrounded by controversy. Reverend C. L. Franklin was already a well-known figure in the church, and people admired him for his powerful sermons. But behind the scenes, the truth about Carl’s birth was kept hidden. The fact that her mother was just 12 years old made the situation even more shocking.

For many years, Rev. Franklin did not publicly acknowledge Carl as his daughter. It was a secret that stayed in the shadows, and this secrecy left Carl feeling distant from the rest of her family. She wanted answers, and she wanted to know her father, just like any child would.

Finding Her Father

When Carl was about 18 years old, she decided it was time to reach out to her father. She wrote him a letter, hoping to connect and understand her place in his life. At first, Rev. Franklin did not reply directly. Instead, he spoke to a trusted minister named A. R. Williams, who encouraged him to acknowledge Carl as his daughter.

This was a turning point in Carl’s life. Meeting her father was not easy at first. It felt awkward and emotional. But it was also the start of something new — a chance for Carl to finally feel like she was part of the Franklin family. Her bravery in writing that letter showed how much she wanted to heal the past.

Meeting the Franklin Family

After reconnecting with her father, Carl visited Detroit, where she met her siblings for the first time. Can you imagine meeting a world-famous singer like Aretha Franklin and finding out she is your sister? That’s exactly what happened to Carl.

The family was shocked at first to learn about her. But soon, Rachel Franklin, known as “Big Mama,” welcomed Carl with open arms. This warmth gave Carl a sense of belonging she had never felt before. While it took time to build a bond with her siblings, this was the start of her connection with the Franklin family.

Carl Ellan Kelley’s Bond with Aretha Franklin

Carl’s relationship with Aretha Franklin was private but meaningful. While Aretha was touring the world and making music history, Carl chose to live quietly. Still, there was a special connection between them.

In fact, Aretha Franklin showed her love for Carl in a powerful way. In a will she wrote in 2014, Aretha left $50,000 to Carl Ellan Kelley. This simple act shows how much Aretha valued her sister, even though their lives were so different.

Unlike her famous siblings, Carl Ellan Kelley did not want to be in the spotlight. She lived a life of simplicity and focus. Instead of music or fame, she built her life around helping others.

Carl worked as a nurse for many years. She cared for patients and made a difference in their lives. This career choice shows her gentle nature and how she wanted to do good in the world. Even though she came from a family of stars, Carl found meaning in living a humble and private life.

Carl Ellan Kelley’s Children and Family Life

Carl Ellan Kelley may not have lived a life of fame, but she was rich in family love. She had three children — Herman E. Wheatley III, Charles G. Smith, and her daughter Vivian Smith, who sadly passed away before Carl. By the time Carl passed away, she was not only a mother but also a proud grandmother and even a great-grandmother.

Her family meant everything to her. While Aretha Franklin was busy performing for millions of fans, Carl found her joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She lived for those moments of love and connection, and her home was always full of warmth and care.

Imagine being part of such a famous family but still choosing a simple life. That was Carl’s way. She wanted her children to grow up with love and stability, away from the pressures of fame.

Personal Challenges and Strength

Carl’s life was not easy. Growing up with the pain of being separated from her parents was hard. On top of that, being known as the “secret daughter” of a famous preacher could not have been simple. People whispered about her birth, and the story of her young mother was something she had to carry for years.

But Carl Ellan Kelley was strong. She never let these challenges define her. Instead, she created her own path. She worked as a nurse, cared for people, and built a life filled with kindness and resilience.

Her story is a reminder that you do not need fame or wealth to have a meaningful life. Strength often comes from facing pain and still choosing to live with dignity. Carl’s life shows us exactly that.

Carl Ellan Kelley’s Final Years

In her later years, Carl lived a quiet life in Detroit. She stayed close to her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her health, however, began to decline as she grew older. She had heart problems that she struggled with for many years.

Sadly, Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78. Her death was caused by heart-related complications. For her family and those who knew her, it was a moment of great loss.

She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, the same resting place as her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, and her famous sister, Aretha Franklin. Even in death, she remains close to her family.

Remembering Her Legacy

Carl Ellan Kelley’s life might not have been in the spotlight, but her story is powerful. She showed courage when she wrote to her father and met her siblings. She showed love and care through her work as a nurse. And she showed strength by living a simple yet meaningful life.

Aretha Franklin, known worldwide as the Queen of Soul, clearly valued her sister. In her 2014 will, Aretha left Carl $50,000, a gesture that proved their bond and respect for one another. It was a way of saying, “You are part of this family, and you matter.”

Today, Carl is remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as a loving mother and grandmother. She is also remembered as part of the Franklin family’s legacy, a family that shaped American music and culture.

Final Thoughts

The life of Carl Ellan Kelley is a mix of pain, courage, and quiet success. While her sister, Aretha Franklin, became a global icon, Carl lived a life of care and kindness. Her story reminds us that every life, even the ones away from the spotlight, holds value and meaning.

By looking at Carl’s journey, we see the strength of a woman who rose above her difficult start and found her own path. Her story deserves to be remembered, not just because she was Aretha Franklin’s sister, but because she was a woman of resilience, love, and grace.

(FAQs)

How many siblings did Aretha Franklin have?

Aretha Franklin had five siblings, including her half-sister Carl Ellan Kelley, who many people didn’t know existed. Her other siblings were Erma, Carolyn, Cecil, and Vaughn Franklin.

What was the cause of Carl Ellan Kelley’s death?

Carl Ellan Kelley died from heart-related complications on January 30, 2019, after struggling with heart problems for many years.

Who was Carl Ellan Kelley’s mother?

Her mother was Mildred Jennings, who was only 12 years old when she gave birth to Carl after being abused by Rev. C. L. Franklin. This shocking truth was kept secret for years.

When did Carl Ellan Kelley die?

Carl Ellan Kelley passed away in Detroit on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78, and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery alongside her father and sister Aretha Franklin.

What was Carl Ellan Kelley’s relationship with Aretha Franklin?

Carl was Aretha Franklin’s secret half-sister. Even though she lived a quiet life, Aretha cared for her and even left $50,000 for Carl in her 2014 will.

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