This is where your question is confusing. Is Sally Mae Ellison her maiden name or her married name?

My guess is that it is her married name as I do not find a Sally M or Mae Ellison in AL b. abt 1923

OK, now I checked the SS Death index and I think I've found her which you said you had her SS info:
Sally Ellison b. 13 Sep 1923 d. 30 Oct 1998 in Los Angeles
card issued in AL before 1951

What you should do is order her Social Security application form. I print off the SS-5 letter. The SS-5 letter requests the copy of her original Social Security application form which she filled out and listed her parents' names which will also tell you her maiden name . I think it costs $27 and takes about 6 wks to get. Once I know her maiden name I can work on the census.

http://www.rootdig.com/ss5/

Rootsweb.com used to have the SS death index and the ability to print off the SS-5 letter but I can't find it on there now.
http://www.rootdig.com/ss5/
Let me know if you have any questions.