The last time this North Carolinian won big was when she heard she had beaten cancer 25 years ago. The second time came Thursday after her $1 million win.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever won something this big!” said the lucky winner.
In disbelief, she called her daughter and brother. “They came and they looked at the ticket,” she said. “And they said, ‘Yeah, you’re a winner!’”
The millionaire claimed her prize on Thursday, 5th November at lottery headquarters accompanied by her four daughters and brother. She had the choice of taking an annuity of 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $424,503.
When asked how she’ll celebrate her big win, she said she’d love to “get some sleep. I can relax now. Don’t have to worry about anything.”
With her big win, she plans to set up a savings account for all four of her grandchildren, as well as help her four daughters.
“I’m also gonna get something that I’ve been wanting,” she added. “And that’s my own home. I’ve been renting for the last 40 years so it’s time for me to own my own home now and enjoy life.”