STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF DUPLIN, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DIVISION FILE NOS 26JA000019-300 IN THE MATTER OF J. LLOYD, a minor juvenile, DOB: 12/09/2018 AND 26JA000020-300 IN THE MATTER OF S. MERCER, DOB: 10/18/2015. TO: TRACY LLOYD, Respondent Mother of two juveniles, namely, J. LLOYD, a male child born on or about the 9th day of December, 2018 in Duplin County, North Carolina and S. MERCER, a male child born on or about the 18th day of October, 2015, in Pitt County, North Carolina. Take Notice that Petitions have been filed alleging that the juveniles named above are neglected and dependent. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than September 2, 2026, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. You have the right to be represented by an attorney at all stages of this proceeding. If you want an Attorney and cannot afford to hire one, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. You may hire an attorney of your choice at any time, or you may waive the right to an attorney and represent yourself. At the first hearing, the Court will determine whether you qualify for a court-appointed attorney. This the 20th day of July, 2026. J. Blake Phillips, Attorney for Duplin County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 525, Warsaw, NC 28398. Telephone (910) 293-2030. IPL0359360 Jul 23,30,Aug 6 2026