N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-8

In case the letters of a personal representative or collector are revoked, pending an action to which the personal representative or collector is a party, the adverse party may, notwithstanding, continue the action against the personal representative or collector in order to charge the personal representative or collector personally. If such party does not elect so to do, within six months after notice of such revocation, the action may be continued against the successor of the personal representative or collector in the administration of the estate, in the same manner as in case of death.