Is the NC group you mentioned the Lumbees? They are prevalent in Robeson County, where the county seat is called Lumberton. The Lumbees have tried in vain to be recognized as an Indian tribe.
Yes, they're Lumbees! And Locklear is a Lumbee descendent. It's interesting because she is so blonde. But that is a characteristic of these groups. Even children of the same family can be fair and blonde, dark and brunette and red-headed. So you really can't necessarily tell by appearance.