Dean and Donna Smith announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter Ashton Elizabeth Smith, of Smithdale, to Mitchell Lee Thornton, of Wesson.

He is the son of Michael Thornton of McCall Creek and Paula Thornton of Wesson.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Thomas Earl and Mary Alyce Johnston of Smithdale, and Elaine and Edwin Smith of Bogue Chitto.

Miss Smith is a 2013 graduate of West Lincoln High School, a 2015 graduate of Southwest Mississippi Community College, and a 2017 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a degree in business administration.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mary and Frank Posey of Brookhaven, Paul and Kathleen Waldon of Wesson, Audrey Thornton of Brookhaven, Roland Thornton of Smithdale and Lonnie Herring of Brookhaven.

Mr. Thornton is a 2014 graduate of Loyd Star High School.

He is employed by Griffin Logging.

The couple will exchange vows in a private ceremony in May in McComb.