In October, 1945, Levi Jones and Harry Howell were called into court to identify a will purportedly written by Sallie Ann Mitchell. Though executed in 1926, the document had only just come to light. Sallie’s sister, Effie Hamlin, had found it in a trunk belonging to their brother Albert Mitchell after his death. Albert had shared a home with Sallie and had been entrusted with her valuable papers. He had not, however, produced the will when she died within days of making it. Satisfied that the document was genuine, the clerk of Superior Court entered it into probate.

Wilson, N.C. March 26 1926

the will of Sallie Ann Mitchell I leave my share in the house to my brothers and sister Floyd Albert and Effie and for them to see that all unpaid bills is settled and the lot and graves must be kept clean by them out of the house if it is rented and Walter and Floyd is to have funerals out of the house if you have to put the house back in building loan and the house is to be used as a family home      Sallie Ann Mitchell

this is my last Will March 26 1926

Henrietta R. Colvert R.N., W.M. Davenport, Rose Williams

——

In the 1880 census of Nahunta township, Wayne County: farmer Ed Mitchell, 43, wife Anarcha, 31, and children Walter, 12, Willie, 8, Charley, 6, Sallie, 8, Eddie, 4, Albert 2, and Effa, 6 months.

In the 1900 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Jennie Mitchell, 51, with children Walter T., 32, Sallie Ann, 28, E. Augustus, 24, Effie C., 20, Eva M., 18, Floyd A., 16, Lee A., 14, and Adic M., 12.

In the 1910 census of Wilson, Wilson County: widow Annie Mitchell, 60, children Sallie, 30, Eddy, 28, Albert, 26, Eva, 24, and Floyd, 22, and grandchildren Sevren L., 9, and Lester Mitchell, 5.

In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 549 Nash Street, widow Annie Mitchell, 71,  children Sallie, 46, Eddie, 44, Albert, 42, Eva, 36, and Floyd, 34, niece Severana, 18, and nephew Lester, 16.

Annie Mitchell, 72, died 8 December 1920 in Wilson. She resided at 540 Nash Street. Per her death certificate, she was the widow of Edward Mitchell and was born in Wayne County to Tempy Davis. Eva Mitchell was the informant.

Sallie Mitchell died 29 March 1926, three days after drafting her will.

North Carolina Wills and Estates, 1665-1998 [database on-line], http://www.ancestry.com.