Shopping at Walmart and toting takeout from a local diner, it doesn't seem like life has changed that much for Gloria Mackenzie — the 84-year-old great-grandmother who won a record $590.5 million Powerball lottery jackpot.
Although she could be shopping in Chanel, Gloria — who is the biggest single lottery Powerball winner in U.S. history — instead joined her son Scott, 57, and his boyfriend Jerry Cruz, 65, for dinner at a crab shack near their Florida home.
Gloria — who is sharing her fortune with her son — is still being driven around in Scott's old gold Ford Focus as the enormity of their situation still sinks in.
Scott's ex-wife Ella — who remains close friends with her former husband and his family — revealed Gloria plans to move in with her son and his partner, adding, "I was so pleased for them when I found out they had won, it really is great news."
However, she revealed the winner and her son were fearful for their safety after receiving threatening phone calls.
Insisting that she does not know whether Scott will give her any money, Ella said, "They are all planning to move in together — they should be getting their new place by the end of the month.
"The three of them are going to be living together. Scott wanted to move in with his mom because he was worried about how she would cope on her own."
Gloria, whose husband Ralph died in 2005, was forced to leave the trailer she had called home for 25 years to move into a run-down $30,000 bungalow in the small town of Zephyrhills, Florida, just one year ago.
She had pledged to split the winnings with son Scott, of Jacksonville, Florida, as she was with him when she bought the $2 ticket at a Zephyrhills supermarket on May 18.
Gloria has two sons, Larry and Scott, and two daughters, Melinda — known as Mindy — and Jaimie, alongside grandchildren Matthew, Alex, Scott and Lindsay, and two great-grandchildren, Victoria and Ethan.
Most of her family remain in her home state of Maine and it remains unknown how, or if, she plans to share the jackpot with them.
After being thrust into the spotlight last week, Gloria spent the weekend with Scott and Jerry, and the trio were seen dining at Jacksonville spot Joe's Crab Shack on Sunday — where she ate steam pots that cost $22.99 each.
On Monday, Scott and Gloria were seen visiting a bank and later shopping at Walmart.
They then enjoyed lunch at the Crazy Egg café — where the most expensive item on the menu costs $10.99 — and even asked for a doggy bag of left overs as they departed.
Gloria is now planning to move into a luxury new home in the city of Jacksonville, three hours away, with both Scott and Jerry
According to lottery officials, Gloria opted to receive the lump sum of $278,172,585.40 48 hours after claiming the prize two weeks ago — so her money is already safely locked away in the bank.
Before even coming forward to collect the money, she abandoned her old home and moved into a luxury hotel, where she is staying until her new home is ready.
Ella added, "Jerry is also moving in with them. I don't want to go into their relationship, as that is their business. You should refer to Jerry as Scott's roommate. I think they are probably getting a big house somewhere in the Jacksonville area. They can't stay where they are currently living — it's too small for the three of them."
"I have spoken to him (Scott) a few times," Ella continued. "I don't know if he is giving me any money but it doesn't really matter — if he does he does, if he doesn't he doesn't."
It is believed Scott and Gloria went into hiding on the advice of their lawyers after receiving world-wide media attention following their win.
They have been hiding out in a hotel in Northern Florida, while Jerry remains at the single-story home he shares with Scott, looking after their dog.
Ella, who still lives in the same small, rundown bungalow she shared with Scott in Jacksonville, said, "Scott and Gloria are obviously excited about the money but it is a lot to take in.
"They have been concerned about their safety and have received a number of threatening phone calls.
"One man with a gravely voice even called to tell them they were in danger, which was very strange. The lawyers told them to go into hiding. It is such a large sum of money, so you never know what might happen, they have to be careful."
Ella and Scott grew up in small country towns just eight miles part in Maine and married when they were in their twenties after being introduced by mutual friends.
They moved to Jacksonville a few years later after Ella got a job in the Navy.
Scott worked a number of low-level factory jobs before retiring from his position, latterly as a warehouse worker depot in St Augustine, Florida.
According to friends, the pair divorced but stayed friends after Scott came out as gay about ten years ago.
Ella, who works at shipping firm Crowley Maritime in Jacksonville, said, "I don't want to go into our relationship. We divorced ten years ago but we are still friends. He told me about the win on the Sunday before they went public to prepare me for the media attention. It has obviously been crazy since then and I have been contacted by hundreds of different people."
Jerry, whose full name is Gerardo Cruz, is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and spent most of his life working for transportation company CSX Transportation until he retired in 2007.
According to the electoral roll, he has lived in the same small property as Scott since 2010.
A friend said, "Scott and Ella are still on good terms. They divorced about 10 years ago because Scott is gay. He is now living with his partner Jerry. They are both very nice and live a quiet, simple life."
Neighbor Britney Ward said, "I don't know them too well. They seem nice but quite quiet. Scott lives there with the other guy who is his partner."
After discovering she had won the lottery, Gloria at first went to stay with Scott and Jerry, telling her neighbors in Zephyrhills she was sick.
Mother and son, who made a pact to split the winnings, then spent two weeks preparing for the future with the help of financial advisers, before claiming their prize.
Gloria's winning numbers, using random selection, were 10, 13, 14, 22 and 52, with a Powerball of 11.
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Thanks to imagine for the tip.
Maybe she will see ronnie there.
Walmart is a good place to buy guns.
Why play if you are not going to live better .................
Ding Cuckoo
Funny how he's worry about his mom NOW, like i said he never gave her a second thought before her new found wealth
now it's like mom you can stay with us.
Her son was with her at Publix when she bought the ticket, that is why she is sharing it with him. He has been there with her the whole time. Hummm about the other siblings.
This is a disaster waiting to happen. It's a lottery curse.
yea, why not move closer to Palm Beach or Cali. Now, everyone knows where they are. Go out the country.hummm
How come?
Besides, didn't these guys want privacy?
Looks like paparazzi taking advantage.
you got that right
Great story!! Some much personal information though. I must admit that I enjoyed reading it all.
I don't find it strange that she still shops at Walmart, eats in affordable restuarants or is driven around in her son's Ford Focus (nice car by the way). People are going to do what they are used to doing. She just received the money so give her some time to get a Bentley and hang out with Donald Trump.
The main thing to me is not to have so many toys but to have financial security (not have to worry about the lack of money). I post pictures of my dream houses and cars all the time but that isn't really important. What is important is getting your time and freedom back and feeling secure (financially) about your future.
Nothing wrong with shopping at Walmart either. They have everything you need for the house at great prices. Except now she's a celebrity and will get alot of attention.
maybe someone needs to tell her walmart will bring anything you need right to you front door just 1 click away and then she won't be wasting her gas going there
Gloria, say good bye to your privacy
Everybody knows where you shop
Too low on ammo these days. (DHS is buying billions of rounds) I go to a mom and pop factory here.
I'm betting the daughter gives her a beat down.
Too funny Ronnie!!!!!
People complain about what the NSA knows about us and keep secret but don't seem to mind what others know and are willing to make public for no apparent reasons.
Does this mean she will stay living in her tin shed, at her attorneys request?
Ex wife certainly has a big mouth. Feel sorry for them having to hide from the threats.
I enjoyed reading the story too, but I'd have enjoyed it just as much without real names attached. Sure hope the threats are just harmless lunatics and that these people stay safe.
Some people who live in tin sheds already have millions, so why change just because they won a jackpot?
Thanks. I think the daughter is more realistic than Mindy is.
It says Gloria has 4 kids, and one is a daughter called Mindy! Maybe there's hope yet for the *real* Mindy getting some scraps.
Still, situation looks good so far, not going hog wild, keeping it real. Hopefully it stays that way.
I was thinking the same thing. There was no need for her to give out such personal information.
Maybe a little revenge for dropping her for a GUY!
Nice to see you posting again Scary.
Agree HLK, she was telling all his business. He may not give her anthing now.
Gloria has for adult children, three grandkids, and two great-grandkids too. She will most likely be sharing the wealth with them too. It's like the whole family won the jackpot.
Maybe if Gloria continues to live modestly, she can avoid the lottery curse (bankruptcy, tragedy, etc.) Then again, with so much cash, she can live it up a little and still be filthy rich. Money doesn't have to change her.
Money can change her lifestyle and surroundings, but she can stay grounded and down to earth. I hope she spends wisely. Good Luck Gloria!
He could at least open the door for his mom so much for chivalry.
lol i bet so too, its a good thing she is so old, that makes it much more easier to stay out the spot light because if she was young she would be caught in night clubs, professional sporting events etc and the paparazzi would harras her.
If I ever won the jackpot, I could still see myself shopping at Walmart. Many of the things they sell are the same quality at some other stores but lower cost. A two liter Pepsi for example, is usually 60 to 40 cents cheaper there than anywhere else in my area. Why would I pay the extra 60 cents for the same exact thing? That is just one example, I don't have the time to list more.
These folks are just plain ole folks! They Don't need anything fancy, new cars, nice homes and such. Looks like they are very comfortable with the way they are living. I do think they need to get serious about obtaining some body guards to protect them all. There are really some crazy people out here in this world that will do anything to get their hands on that much money. They need to be very careful how they move about the town, someone could easily grab her or her son to hold for ransom. I hope nothing happens to any of them, but you can never let your Guard down for one minute....Hope they will be ok!!. Just wished I could win 1 million!! No numbers last night matching. Will wait for Saturday. Y'all have a good day!!!!!! Good Luck too!!
She is going to live better just that she has to be very carefull how she transitions from living poor to living rich . She is so use to living poor so living rich instantly could cause her a heart attack so she really needs to transition really slowly like pouring a hot water in a glass if you pour too fast the glass will crack. I remember the first time i went to a new york city restaurant and l was so furrious with my brother for ordering a larg plate of onion rings . l said you crazy you wasting food we don't need all off this stuff. Six months later am use to the drill and am ordering even salad extra while my t-bone steak is still on grill lol . So she is doing fine going on her own time table so congrats to her and i wish people stop bothering her privacy she is not britney spears.
On the other hand she is not your typical old lady as she was able to cut people off in line to buy her winning ticket so she could transition quicker than i thought . she could be a speedy gonzalas lol so don't mess with her . My advice for her now is to buy a walking james bond cane with a taser attached at the end for defense lol.
Maybe the article is wrong, and the money hasn't yet transferred INTO this massive Powerball Lottery jackpot winner's checking account yet.
Perhaps after the money is available for spending, she will be spending it, lavishly, on more than the newly purchased house that she already spent big earnest money towards.
Old habits die hard.
And can someone tell me what's wrong with a lottery winner shopping at Walmart?
Beside the fact that most are god forsaken filty stores with typically lower class citizens roaming around to save a buck buying cheap Chinese crap, nothing is wrong with it. Sorry I sugarcoated it.
He already has his half of the money. No reason to worry about her now unless he really cares. I'd imagine she was fine on her own before, plus it sounds like neither really had the resources for a home big enough for him and him and her. Now she's getting older and they have plenty to buy a home with plenty of room for her to have her own kitchen or whatever she wants so they can each have their privacy.
Sounds like you're describing the one closest to me,
I always leave empty handed and disappointed.
I know people that live in the town where it's located and they tell me they don't go there,
they go to another one that's 25 miles away.
I guess there not all bad, but if I don't like that one, why would I expect the further one to be better.
I hope this jackpot winner spends her money wisely down the road.
moma boy
I'm sure by now you have your answer,but i'm more curious of why so much emphasis on the sexual orientation and who's living with who, lottery winners who carefully follow their attorny advided are usually safe and also watch what they say. These guys came out too quick.Now as for the lady who rudely got cut in line you deserve half of the winnings if not , hopefully it won't be a curse for the winner. The money helps, but passing a test is more significant.Its a test from the universe
I had the same experience after I decided to go to one several years ago some distance away to see if I was missing anything. It was very dirty and it was in a prime shopping area way out in Northern VA (Ikea is out there, etc). Now I love Target. Good design, etc.
Nothing!! I'd still shop there if I won.
Sorry everybody's Wal-Mart is filthy, the one in my area is
a clean and neat supercenter with fresh produce and staff that
very helpful.
She's living it up a little bit, the article stated she moved into a luxury hotel and
will stay there until her house is ready.
Not just a lottery winner but anybody.
They send all of that money to China which helps sustain their brutal totalitarian government, forced labor and slave wages.
I agree!
Great comment, by the way!
when you wish upon a star
makes no difference who you are.....
Gloria Mackenzie, you've just won Powerball, what are you going to do next?
Gloria Mackenzie: I'm going to Wally World!
I have seen a video of Warren Buffett shopping at Walmart. I even saw a video of Bill Gates eating in a fast food restaurant while being interviewed. So, it's not that unusual.
Same here.
So, millionaire sonny boy is a bone-smoker. How nice. I wonder how much kizzock he can sizzuck with 100 mil. Grandma will be dead soon. Why do either a rich person or an old person or a rich, old person always win the big ones? Quick pick, though, I think the computers are hooked into the future.
As far as privacy , she needs to live in a GATED COMMUNITY .
Did they change there cellphone number or landline ?
Even after winning the money they need to keep quiet / lay low
Don't be telling the ex wife anything ......
It takes so long to win ...by that time.....you're OLDER ......
YOU'RE EXACTLY RIGHT ..AGREE ........I KNOW i would visit the same ole stores .....the money will not change , all of me .
I have plenty of family , friends , charities to help ......it would be a full time job ....I bet the lawyer told her not to spend
alot of money at first .....she has many TRUST FUNDS , no doubt ...and it takes months to get everything in order .
One of the Lottery winner who doesn't live to far , he won over $100 million and several months later he's still getting
his finances taken care of ....
The walmart in my area , it's clean , right now they're adding on to it , for a Super Walmart and across the street ,
they're building a new Sam's Club . There's to much competition with these stores, for lower prices ...
100s of calls to xwife from over decade ago
media following the winners around , taking account of where they shop, and eat
and ofc 1000s of calls and requests to the winners, some threating ofc.
who could of NOT guested this would happen to largest single lottery winner in history
its not like they could of not gone public
i know for a fact florida lottery allows corporations to claim, as corporations have claimed in past!
but these folks wanted to listin to 99% who said u have to be public,so they get what they deserve. and not thinking outside the box
all u have to do is have the corporation claim it in that state, , then be owned by a trust, trust is easyest option/key here to avoid gift tax etc, and then have other trust within a trust,
have some fake middle man, like money managers/lawyers in first trust, pass them off to lottery as real winners,and be anonymously in a none anonymously lottery state
and lottery would never know who real winners are!
i flat out i hope with 100s of millions these folks have in cash
they will hire/ pay for full time off duty cops body guards or whatever
i know jack got that in to so much issues atfer hes big 300m win, he hired off duty cops
ofc body guards don't protect u form self harm, what hes life was full of................
the fact is , media/beggers/whoever a ahole that likes wasteing lottery winners time
is now trying to get into there personal business
i would at lest have body guards around me first few months, to majority stop trying if i somehow was found out.
but for these poor folks, just like seen of TLC show big winners, they always have people calling/writing for help for years to come. etc,
am just glad they didn't say we plan to help people out, or even more beggers would of came out of woods to try.
never promise a penny to anyone, always say no,and if someone asks for money, they become dead 2 u, u never want 2 talk 2 them again "these who not part nuclear family ofc , as family always gets to asked without being disowned for it rofl."
and slowly u start to only have good people around u.
the fact she a greatgrand mom is something, i even have a grantgrand mom, they do tend 2 be in the 80s/90 range
Yea, they say they'll start carrying more U.S. made, but hav'nt done much more than that,
maybe just an ad campaign ?
Someone following them ......taking pictures (above ) .....
Yeah, it's all talk.
Too bad Sam ain't around anymore.
I think he'd have done it if he saw China was becoming a belligerent Super Power with our money.
Old habits are hard to break, and when you're 84, I'd suspect they would be even harder.
This woman has probably lived a simple life for so long that she probably doesn't know any other way.
She probably feels comfortable in familiar surroundings. I can't speak for her, but I have relatives in their 80s and I could see them doing the same thing. Heck, I'd probably still shop at these stores too, I'd just buy more stuff, lol.
does walmart give senior discount maybe that's why she shops there
Bwhahahahaaaaaaaaa....GOOD ONE!! LOL
I despise Walmart. Seems like there were 200 crying kids in the store the 2 times I stepped foot in there and everyone was rude and had no manners.
I agree Cin.
There is no need for this woman to go to Tiffany's or Rodeo Drive to buy toilet paper, deodorant, soap and soup. You get those things at the grocery store or Walmart, Target, Kmart, Sam's Club, Costco etc.....
I think some people are being unrealistic.
I work at a tennis club and some customers there are millionaires and they go to the supermarket just like the rest of us.
Go figure!!
Even Arnold Swarzenegger and Britney Spears shop at Walmart. It only makes sense and nothing to be ashamed of.
Was that his bodyguard behind him?
I agree with you. I want her to be safe too and enjoy her money.