The first NC 144 was an original state highway, running from NC 14 (now NC 86) Prospect Hill northeast to NC 13 (now Main St) Roxboro.
In 1925, NC 144 was extended west as new routing to NC 62.
About 1929, NC 144 was removed from Weslyan Dr SR 1142 and 1149 and moved to Burlington Hwy below Roxboro.

NC 144 initial route 1923 Auto Trails

NC 144 extended southwest 1925 Official

NC 144 rerouted at Roxboro 1929 Official

In 1932, NC 144 was extended northeast as new routing to end at NC 562 (now NC 96) Virgilina.
In 1936, NC 144 was extended southwest as new primary routing to Burlington, then after a brief US 70 duplex, extended southwest as more new routing to end at NC 61.
In 1940, NC 144 was renumbered as NC 62 from NC 61 to Pleasant Grove and NC 49 from Pleasant Grove to Virgilina.

NC 144 extended southwest to NC 61 1939 Official

NC 62 replaces NC 144 1941-42 Official

NC 144 extended northeast to Virgilina 1939 Official

NC 49 replaces NC 144 1941-42 Official

NC 49 has been rerouted in a couple places: NC 144 used NC 86 and Main St in Prospect Hill; NC 144 used Morgan St, Club Lake St and Main St in Roxboro

The 2nd NC 144 was born June 1, 1984 (NCDOT), replacing SR 1001 from NC 41 near Chinquapin east to US 258/NC 24 near Catherine Lake.
On July 1, 1984 (NCDOT), NC 144 was renumbered as part of the extended NC 111.
NC 144 definitely did not make it onto any maps and may not have ever been posted either.

NC 144 #2 is created June 1984 NCDOT document

NC 144 renumbered as NC 111 July 1984 NCDOT document