PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BEVON JOE SMITH, DECEASED
BENTON JOSEPH SMITH, PETITIONER VS THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DEVON JOE SMITH, DECEASED,
AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BENTON JOE SMITH, DECEASED, RESPONDENTS
CAUSE NO. 26-pr-073-S
RULE 4(i) SUMMONS

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

TO: The Unknown Heirs of Benton Joe Smith, Deceased, And All Persons or Entities Claiming Any Interest
In The Estate of Benton Joe Smith, Deceased

You have been made a Defendant in the suit filed in this Court by Benton Joe Smith, Petitioner, seeking to have the following persons established as the heirs at law of Benton Joe Smith, Deceased: Sandra Smith, Benton Joseph Smith, Beverly Dawn Smith and Stephen Duane Smith.
You are summoned to appear and defend against the petition filed against you in this action at 9:00 a.m. on November 2, 2026, in the courtroom of the Lamar County Chancery Court, at 203 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475, and in case of your failure to appear and defend a judgment will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition, thereby barring the claims of any other relatives of Benton Joe Smith.

You are not required to file an answer or other pleading but you may do so if you desire.

Issued under my hand and the seal of said Court, this 25th day of August, 2026.

Melinda Smith
Chancery Clerk of Pearl River County, Mississippi

By:Rochelle Farve Deputy Clerk
(SEAL)

M. William Morgan
Jackson, Tullos, Morgan, Howell & Guice, PLLC
P. O. Box 15517
Hattiesburg, MS 39404-5517
(601) 264-3309
Miss. Bar No. 104543
wmorgan@jacksonfirm.com

Picayune Item:
Sept. 2, 9 and 16, 2026
26-PR-073-S