SHALLOTTE, N.C. — One of the three winning tickets in Wednesday’s Powerball drawing belongs to Marie Holmes, a 26-year-old mother with four kids, one of whom has cerebral palsy, WECT reported.
She bought the ticket at Scotchman convenience store on Whiteville Road in Shallotte, N.C.
She takes home a piece of the $564 million jackpot — roughly $188 million, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“I don’t think it’s really hit me,” she said. “I guess when it hits my account is when it’s really going to hit me, but I’m thankful that I can bless my kids with something that I didn’t have.”
Holmes worked at McDonald’s and Walmart but recently had to quit to care for her children, one boy and three girls.
When she was asked if she’s ready to deal with that much money, Holmes said, “I’m ready for it. I’m ready to embrace the change. I’m very grateful for what’s about to happen for my family.”
“First I’m going to pay my tithes because I wouldn’t have none of it if it wasn’t for God,” she added.
Holmes also plans to set up college funds for her children and buy a new house.
She was en route to Raleigh to meet with lawyers and speak to a financial advisor before turning in the ticket to North Carolina lottery officials.
