Who Was Carl Ellan Kelley?

Carl Ellan Kelley—also known as Carl Ellan Franklin Kelly—was born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. She passed away on January 30, 2019, at the age of 78. Her story, while far less public than her sister Aretha’s, is one of quiet resilience and strength.

1. Early Life and Origins

Carl Ellan Kelley entered this world under extremely sensitive and complex circumstances. Born to Mildred Jennings, who was just 12 years old at the time, and Reverend C. L. Franklin, then 25, Carl’s very existence was marked by tragedy and secrecy.

Raised not by her parents but by her grandmother, Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, Carl grew up in an environment shaped by silence and family tensions. Her upbringing in Memphis was undoubtedly influenced by the weight of her origins and the stigma attached to them.

Despite these early hardships, this foundation instilled in her a formidable strength—one that carried her through life outside the limelight.

2. The Complex Family Ties with C.L. Franklin

Carl shared a father with some of America’s most powerful voices. C. L. Franklin, dubbed the “Million-Dollar Voice,” was a towering figure in gospel music and civil rights activism—one who galvanized communities yet harbored deep, hidden secrets.

While he publicly nurtured the musical talents of Aretha, Erma, Carolyn, Cecil, and Vaughan, Carl’s connection to him remained dormant for much of her youth. Her birth circumstances remained a hushed secret, held under wraps until she herself decided to confront her heritage.

3. Her Awakening: Reaching Out at Seventeen

As she approached adulthood, Carl wondered who she was—and who her father might be. At around 17 or 18 years old, she composed and sent him a letter.

Unexpectedly, Reverend Franklin didn’t respond directly. Instead, he reached out to Carl through A. R. Williams, a church minister who had fostered a connection between them. This intermediary encouraged the Reverend to acknowledge Carl, something he had long avoided because of public reputation concerns

Eventually, he did recognize her. Carl then traveled to Detroit, where she met siblings—though Carolyn Franklin notably remained distant. Despite the awkwardness, she was embraced warmly by Erma, affectionately referred to as “Big Mama.”

Their emerging relationship remained private. Reverend Franklin never publicly addressed Carl in sermons, nor did he ask his congregation for forgiveness or acknowledgment. Still, over time—especially when Carl moved to New Orleans—they grew closer. She even accompanied him during some church activities and later lived with him in Seattle, forging a familial bond away from the spotlight.

4. Living in the Shadows: Life Beyond the Spotlight

Unlike her famous siblings, Carl chose a path away from fame. According to several sources, she pursued a career in nursing, dedicating herself to serving others in a deeply personal and meaningful way.

This choice reflects a woman of humility, compassion, and resilience—traits that defined her far more than any public recognition ever could. Her life, lived authentically and privately, stood in contrast to the fame that surrounded the Franklin name.

5. Motherhood and Family Legacy

Carl’s legacy is most profoundly felt in her role as a mother and grandmother. She raised two sons—Charles G. Smith and Herman E. Wheatley III—and became a beloved grandmother to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren by the time of her passing.

In this capacity, she embraced a nurturing role that echoed through her family—creating a loving environment that contrasted starkly with the turbulence of her own early life.

6. Passing and Legacy Remembered

Carl Ellan Kelley passed away on January 30, 2019, at age 78. Her death passed with little fanfare, but those who knew her remembered her fondly. Friends, including Glenda Holliday Barnes, recalled her warmth, collegial spirit, and humanity, particularly from their time together at Boeing Company.

Moreover, after Aretha Franklin passed away in 2018, Carl was mentioned in discussions of the Franklin estate—Aretha had left her sister a $50,000 bequest in one of her wills, symbolizing recognition and affection.

Though Carl’s life didn’t make headlines, it resonates as a testament to quiet fortitude. Her journey—from an obscure and painful beginning to a life grounded in service and family—deserves respect and remembrance.

Final Thoughts

Carl Ellan Kelley may not have been a household name, but her story matters. It’s a portrait of strength born from adversity, of forging identity outside the glamour of fame, and of choosing love and service as her legacy. She reminds us that every life, regardless of public spotlight, carries significance—and that sometimes the most profound stories unfold in the quietest lives.

Let me know if you’d like to expand any section or tailor this for SEO-rich headings and focus!

Quick Recap Table