I am researching my 2nd great-grandmother, Willie Mae “Tootie” Jones (1907–1995), who was born in Crowders Mountain, Gaston County, North Carolina. Family tradition says she was Cherokee or part Cherokee.

Her parents were Edward J. Jones (b. 1886) and Iva Bell, daughter of William S. Bell (1837–1879) and Ann Eldora McGee (1844–1891).

I am trying to determine whether Willie Mae, her parents, or grandparents appear on the 1924 Baker Roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or if there are other Cherokee records (earlier rolls or census schedules) where these families may be listed.

Any information about the Jones, Bell, or McGee families of Gaston County, NC, and their connection (if any) to Cherokee ancestry would be greatly appreciated.