Executrixes are generally entitled to compensation. If you were in Virginia, I would suggest that you call the Commissioner of Accounts for your county. I don't know what that office is called in N.C., but I am sure you have something similar. If you can't figure out who to call, then call the probate court and ask who is in charge of supervising probate estates. Whatever expenses the estate has, including your fee, will probably need to be approved by the Commissioner of Accounts or someone like that.