Carl Ellan Kelley: Life, Family, and Legacy Beyond the Spotlight

The Franklin family name is synonymous with music royalty, thanks to the incredible voice and influence of Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul.” Yet, behind the spotlight that shone so brightly on Aretha and her siblings, there were other family members who lived quieter, lesser-known lives. Among them was Carl Ellan Kelley, Aretha Franklin’s half-sister, whose existence often raises questions such as “Who is Carl Ellan Kelley?”

Though not a public figure, Carl Ellan Kelley lived a life worth remembering. Her story is important to understanding the broader Franklin family legacy, touching on themes of faith, resilience, and family bonds. In this article, we’ll explore her life, her family background, her age and birthday, and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Who is Carl Ellan Kelley?

Born on November 17, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, Carl Ellan Kelley was the daughter of Reverend C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings. Unlike her half-siblings—Aretha, Carolyn, Erma, and Cecil Franklin—she did not become part of the gospel or music world. Instead, Carl chose a private path, away from fame, recognition, and the public stage.

Despite living away from the limelight, Carl’s presence remained significant within the family circle. Her life story has drawn attention largely because of her half-sister Aretha’s legendary career, but it also reveals the private realities of those who were linked to famous families yet preferred ordinary lives.

Carl Ellan Kelley Mother

Carl’s mother was Mildred Jennings, who gave birth at a very young age. Historical accounts note that Mildred was only 12 years old when Carl was born, a fact that has been documented in biographies of C. L. Franklin.

Because of her mother’s age, Carl was raised primarily by her grandmother, Mrs. Cornelious Mayo Hill Berry, in Memphis. This separation from the Franklin household in Detroit meant that her upbringing differed from that of her half-siblings. While Aretha Franklin’s childhood was filled with church choirs, gospel stages, and early exposure to music, Carl Ellan Kelley’s life followed a quieter and more traditional path.

Carl Ellan Kelley Family

Carl belonged to a complex and influential family. Her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin, was a celebrated Baptist minister and a major figure in gospel preaching. He is remembered for his dynamic sermons and his influence in Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church.

Her siblings included:

• Aretha Franklin (1942–2018) – the “Queen of Soul.”

• Erma Franklin (1938–2002) – a soul and R&B singer best known for “Piece of My Heart.”

• Carolyn Franklin (1944–1988) – a singer and songwriter.

• Cecil Franklin (1942–1989) – a preacher who carried on the family’s ministerial legacy.

In addition to her famous half-siblings, Carl was also a mother. She had two children: Herman E. Wheatley III and Charles G. Smith, who in turn extended her lineage through grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her obituary also mentioned other extended relatives, underscoring how she remained deeply connected to her family even if she was not in the public spotlight.

Carl Ellan Kelley Age

Carl Ellan Kelley lived to the age of 78. She was born in 1940 and passed away on January 30, 2019. Her lifespan made her the elder among her Franklin siblings. She outlived some of them, including Carolyn and Erma, though she died shortly after Aretha Franklin, who passed away in August 2018.

Carl Ellan Kelley Birthday

Carl was born on November 17, 1940. Her birthday holds a place in the Franklin family timeline as it preceded Aretha’s by almost exactly two years. Interestingly, while Aretha’s birthday became a celebrated date in music history, Carl’s birthday was a private affair, recognized within her family rather than on a global stage.

Carl Ellan Kelley Cause of Death

One of the most asked questions about Carl Ellan Kelley relates to her cause of death. Unlike celebrity figures, whose deaths are often publicly detailed, Carl’s obituary did not reveal her cause of death.

Speculation online has suggested heart-related issues such as heart failure or a heart attack, but these claims remain unverified. Blogs and entertainment sites circulated these theories, but no official family statement confirmed them. What is certain is that Carl passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019, surrounded by the memory of her family legacy.

Her funeral was held in Memphis, Tennessee, and she was later buried at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.

A Life Outside Fame

While her siblings rose to fame in music and ministry, Carl Ellan Kelley charted a different course. Community accounts suggest she worked for Boeing, reflecting her commitment to a grounded and practical life. Unlike her siblings who lived in the public gaze, Carl preferred privacy, allowing her to live without the pressures of media attention.

Her life is a reminder that being connected to a famous family does not always mean following the same path. Carl found meaning in a quieter existence, one centered around work, family, and her personal life.

Connection to Aretha Franklin

Even though Carl lived outside the limelight, her bond with Aretha Franklin was evident. After Aretha’s passing in 2018, handwritten wills were discovered, and one from 2014 included a provision for Carl. The will left $50,000 to her, highlighting that Aretha cared for her half-sister and acknowledged her as part of her close family circle.

This detail reinforced the idea that while Carl may not have been publicly celebrated, she was deeply valued within the family.

Final Years and Legacy

Carl Ellan Kelley’s death in 2019 marked the end of a chapter in the Franklin family story. Her quiet life, coupled with her familial connections, ensures that she remains part of the broader history of one of America’s most famous families.

Her legacy is not measured in albums sold or sermons preached but in the family she raised, the life she lived, and the love she shared with those around her. She may not be remembered on stage or in the spotlight, but her story adds depth to the Franklin family narrative.

Conclusion

The story of Carl Ellan Kelley is often overshadowed by the fame of her half-sister Aretha Franklin, but it deserves its own place in history. Born to Rev. C. L. Franklin and Mildred Jennings, raised by her grandmother, and living her life mostly outside the public gaze, Carl represented a quieter branch of the Franklin family tree.

She was a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, who reached the age of 78 before passing away in 2019. While the cause of her death remains unconfirmed, her life speaks volumes about dignity, resilience, and the value of family beyond fame.

Her legacy may not be written in records or sold-out arenas, but it lives on in the hearts of her family and in the recognition she receives when people explore the broader Franklin story.

This article is published by Megacine, where we uncover the untold lives and stories behind the spotlight.