NOTICE TO CREDITORS Gaston COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 26E000302-350 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the estate of Janice Louise Smith Bess, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the decedent to present to the undersigned on or before April 14, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Samuel Smith & Richard Brown c/o Self Representation 2009 Redwood Cir Kings Mtn. NC 28073 IPL0331210 Apr 21,28,May 5,12 2026