on october 16, 1934, franklin married his first wife, alene gaines, and though that marriage had ended by early 1936, the form of dissolution is unconfirmed. on june 3, 1936, franklin married barbara siggers, with whom he had four children: erma (1938–2002), cecil (1940–1989), aretha (1942–2018), and carolyn (1944–1988). as noted by his biographer, nick salvatore, c.l. fathered a daughter, carol ellan kelley (née jennings), by a 12-year-old member of his congregation, mildred jennings, on november 17, 1940. carol ellan was born during his tenure at new salem baptist church in memphis, tennessee and was the last of his children to survive him.