PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
MELVIN WATSON, SR., DECEASED
CAUSE NO. 24-cv-pr-139-S
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF PEARL RIVER
RULE 81 – SUMMONS TO A DATE CERTAIN
(MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION)

TO: THE UNKNOWN OR KNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW AND ANY AND ALL OTHER PERSONS, WHETHER RESIDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI OR NON-RESIDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI, CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST AS HEIRS OF MELVIN WATSON, SR., DECEASED, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS, STREET ADDRESSES AND POST OFFICE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN:

YOU HAVE BEEN MADE RESPONDENTS IN THE LAWSUIT FILED IN THIS COURT BY DEBORAH WATSON, PETITIONER, SEEKING TO HAVE DEBORAH WATSON ADJUDICATED AND ORDERED BY THIS COURT TO BE THE ONLY HEIR-AT-LAW OF MELVIN WATSON, SR., AS FULLY SET OUT IN THE PETITION ON FILE IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI. DEFENDANTS OTHER THAN YOU IN THIS ACTION ARE: NONE.

YOU ARE SUMMONED TO APPEAR AND DEFEND AGAINST THE PETITION FILED AGAINST YOU IN THIS ACTION AT 9:00 A.M. ON THE 12TH DAY OF MAY 2026, IN THE CHANCERY COURTROOM OF LAMAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN PURVIS, MISSISSIPPI; AND, IN CASE OF YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AND DEFEND, A JUDGMENT WILL BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE PETITION. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FILE AN ANSWER OR OTHER PLEADING, BUT YOU MAY DO SO IF YOU DESIRE.

ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF MAY 2025.
MELINDA BOWMAN
CHANCERY CLERK OF PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
P.O. BOX 431
POPLARVILLE, MISSISSIPPI 39470
BY: /s/ Lacie Johnson D.C

Nicole W. Sullivan
Nicholas J. Lewelling
Sullivan Law Firm, PLLC
101 Rouselle Place, Suite B
Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Picayune Item:
Mar. 25, Apr. 1 and 8, 2026
24-CV-PR-139-S