Did you know that Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, had a sister that most people never heard about? Her name was Carl Ellan Kelley, and her life story is filled with secrets, strength, and silent love.
While Aretha’s powerful voice was known around the world, Carl lived a quiet and private life. But that doesn’t make her story any less important. In fact, her journey is touching, brave, and full of lessons.
In this article, we’ll explore who Carl Ellan Kelley was, the truth about her birth, how she met her famous family, and why her life deserves to be remembered.
Carl Ellan Kelley Quick Bio
| Full Name | Carl Ellan Kelley |
| Birth Name (née) | Carl Ellan Jennings |
| Known As | Aretha Franklin’s half-sister |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Date of Death | January 30, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 78 years old |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Father | Rev. C. L. Franklin |
| Mother | Mildred Jennings (age 12 at Carl’s birth) |
| Raised By | Grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry |
| Siblings | Aretha, Erma, Carolyn, Cecil, Vaughn |
| Children | Vivian Smith (late), Herman, Charles |
| Occupation | Nurse |
| Residence | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Resting Place | Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit |
| Legacy | Quiet strength, family love, resilience |
Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley?
Carl Ellan Kelley was Aretha Franklin’s secret half-sister. She was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her life was not in the spotlight like Aretha’s, but her story is deeply connected to the famous Franklin family.
Carl wasn’t raised in the same home as Aretha. She grew up quietly, far away from fame and music. But later in life, she would find her way back to the family that shaped American soul music.
Even though she lived a simple life, Carl’s story holds a powerful message about truth, family, and strength.
The Scandal Behind Her Birth
Carl’s birth came with a painful truth. Her father was Reverend C. L. Franklin, a respected preacher and civil rights leader. But her mother, Mildred Jennings, was only 12 years old when Carl was born. Rev. Franklin was 25.
This made Carl’s birth a scandal—and a deep secret. Her mother was not protected. Instead, she was punished, banished from her home, and sent to live with relatives.
Rev. Franklin never faced any legal consequences. The church community stayed quiet. The truth was hidden for many years, leaving Carl to grow up with questions and no real answers.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Childhood and Upbringing
Because of the situation, Carl didn’t grow up with her parents. Instead, she was raised by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, in Memphis.
Imagine being a child and knowing who your father is—but not being part of his life. That’s how Carl felt. She knew she belonged to a powerful family, but she was left out.
Her childhood was full of loneliness and silence, but also love from her grandmother, who tried to give her the best life she could. Still, Carl wondered where she truly belonged.
Her Father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, and the Painful Truth
Rev. C. L. Franklin was known across the country. He led churches, marched for civil rights, and raised famous children like Aretha, Erma, and Carolyn Franklin. But he also kept secrets.
He never talked about Carl in public. He never said she was his daughter. This silence hurt Carl deeply. She was his child too, but she was treated like she didn’t exist.
For years, she watched her siblings grow up in the spotlight while she lived in the shadows. All she wanted was a chance to be seen—and loved—by her father.
Reaching Out at 18
When Carl turned 18, she made a bold decision. She wrote a letter to Rev. Franklin, asking him to meet her. She wanted to finally connect with her father and know her family.
At first, he didn’t reply to her. Instead, he talked to a trusted minister, A. R. Williams, who encouraged him to face the truth. After some time, Rev. Franklin finally agreed to meet Carl.
It wasn’t easy. The meeting was awkward and emotional, but it was also the start of something new. Carl had taken the first step toward healing her broken family connection.
Meeting Aretha Franklin and the Rest of the Family
Not long after writing the letter, Carl visited Detroit—the city where her father and siblings lived. It was here that she met her family for the first time.
Imagine walking into a home and realizing the woman in front of you is Aretha Franklin, one of the most famous singers in the world—and she’s your sister.
Some family members were shocked. But Rachel Franklin, also known as “Big Mama”, welcomed Carl with love. That hug gave Carl something she never had before: a sense of belonging.
While building bonds with her siblings took time, this moment was a big step forward in her life.
Carl Ellan Kelley and Aretha Franklin’s Relationship
Carl and Aretha didn’t grow up together, but over time, they developed a quiet, respectful bond. Aretha was busy touring, recording, and becoming a global icon. Carl lived a simple life.
Still, Aretha never forgot about her sister. In her 2014 handwritten will, Aretha left $50,000 to Carl Ellan Kelley. That act said more than words. It showed love, care, and recognition.
Even though they didn’t live the same kind of life, the family connection was real—and it mattered to both of them.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Quiet Life Away from Fame
After meeting her father and siblings, Carl Ellan Kelley went back to living a peaceful and private life. She didn’t chase fame or try to be in the spotlight like her sister Aretha. That wasn’t what she wanted.
Instead, Carl found her own path. She became a nurse, choosing to care for others. She worked hard, helped people every day, and made a quiet difference in the world. Her life may have looked simple on the outside, but it was filled with kindness and strength.
While the world knew Aretha Franklin, Carl was the calm in the background. She showed that you don’t need to be famous to live a good life. Her heart was big, and her actions spoke louder than any song.
Her Children, Grandchildren, and Family Life
Carl Ellan Kelley was a loving mother and grandmother. She had three children: Vivian Smith, who sadly passed away before her; Herman E. Wheatley III; and Charles G. Smith.
She raised her family with care, always making sure they felt safe and loved. Her home was full of warmth, laughter, and real moments. She wasn’t rich or famous, but she gave her children something priceless — a strong foundation.
By the time she passed, Carl had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved her deeply and remember her as a gentle woman who always put family first. Her simple way of living became her greatest gift to them.
Health Problems and Final Years in Detroit
In her later years, Carl continued to live in Detroit, the city where she had first met her father and siblings. She stayed close to her children and grandchildren, enjoying family time and peaceful days.
But her health began to decline. She had long struggled with heart problems, and over time, those problems became harder to manage.
On January 30, 2019, Carl Ellan Kelley passed away at the age of 78. Her family was heartbroken, but they were also proud of the life she lived. She faced so many challenges, yet always kept her dignity and kindness.
Carl Ellan Kelley’s Funeral and Burial
Carl was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. This is the same place where her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, and her sister, Aretha Franklin, are also laid to rest.
Even though Carl’s life was quiet and mostly unknown, in the end, she was placed right next to the most famous members of her family. That simple fact says so much.
She belonged to the Franklin family, even if the world didn’t always know it. And now, she rests with them — side by side — as part of a story bigger than any song.
Remembering Carl Ellan Kelley’s Legacy
The story of Carl Ellan Kelley is one of strength, silence, and deep meaning. She was born in pain, raised in shadows, and lived without fame — but she never gave up on love or truth.
She reached out to her father, found her family, and built a life of service and care. Her work as a nurse, her love for her children, and her quiet grace touched many lives.
Even Aretha Franklin, in her own way, honored that. By leaving Carl $50,000 in her will, Aretha said, “You matter. You’re family.” That was more than money — it was recognition and respect.
Today, Carl is remembered not just as Aretha Franklin’s sister, but as a woman who overcame hurt and chose peace. Her story teaches us that even the quietest lives can shine with meaning.
Final Thoughts
Carl Ellan Kelley lived a life that many people never knew about. But now, in 2026, her story is finally being told — and it’s a story worth hearing.
She reminds us that family is complicated, forgiveness is powerful, and kindness can be louder than fame. Even though she stayed in the background, Carl’s life was full of strength, love, and quiet courage.
Carl Ellan Kelley, the secret sister of Aretha Franklin, was not just part of music history. She was a survivor, a healer, and a woman who lived with heart.
Let’s remember her — not just for who her sister was, but for who she was: a woman who mattered.
(FAQs)
How did Carl Ellan Kelley die?
She had heart problems and died from a heart attack in 2019. She was 78 years old when she passed away.
Who was Carl Ellan Kelley’s mom?
Her mom was Mildred Jennings, who was only 12 years old when Carl was born. This was a very sad and serious situation.
Was Carl Ellan Kelley born with the name Franklin?
she was not born a Franklin. Her last name at birth was Jennings. She later found out that Rev. C.L. Franklin was her father.
What does “née Jennings” mean?
It means her birth name was Jennings. She was called Carl Ellan Jennings before she was known as part of the Franklin family.
Where did Carl Ellan Kelley live and die?
She lived a quiet life in Detroit and died there in 2019. She was buried near her father and sister Aretha Franklin.
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