N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-24: Time during controversy on probate of will or granting letters.

In reckoning time when pleaded as a bar to actions, that period shall not be counted which elapses during any controversy on the probate of a will or granting letters of administration, unless there is an administrator appointed during the pendency of the action, and it is provided that an action may be brought against him. (C.C.P., s. 47; Code, s. 168; Rev., s. 369; C.S., s. 414.)