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 BEVON JOE SMITH, DECEASED, AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BEVON JOE SMITH, DECEASED, RESPONDENTS
CAUSE NO. 26-pr-073-S
RULE 4(i) SUMMONS

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: The Unknown Heirs of Bevon Joe Smith, Deceased, And All Persons or Entities Claiming Any Interest In The Estate of Bevon Joe Smith, Deceased
You have been made a Defendant in the suit filed in this Court by Benton Joseph Smith, Petitioner, seeking to have the following persons established as the heirs at law of Bevon 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 December 7, 2026, in the courtroom of the Forrest County Chancery Court, at 641 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, 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 Bevon 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 8th day of October, 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:
Oct. 14, 21 and 28, 2026
26-PR-073-S