Jean Edwards went from anonymous retiree to millionaire celebrity this week.
But as far as she's concerned, not much in her life has changed.
Edwards plans to stay in her Willow Street home and maybe take a vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyo., but that's about it.
"I just don't know why it would make any change in our lives," she said at a news conference Friday about her instant good fortune as a Powerball lottery winner.
"We'll be able to get some things we need, but why should you have to change?"
Some folks would say she had 42 million reasons.
That's $42,529,765, to be exact — the amount of cash Jean's husband, Barrie, won in the Aug. 2 Powerball drawing.
Lottery officials held Friday's news conference to announce that the Edwardses had won the drawing.
The ticket could have paid out $86.3 million in annual annuities. Barrie instead decided to take the cash payment up front and share his good fortune with his wife, his brother and sister-in-law, and 10 nieces and nephews and their spouses.
Barrie, his brother, Terry, and their wives will split a little over $34 million. The remaining $8.4 million will be divided among other family members, with each family receiving $1.4 million.
The federal government will take a 25 percent cut — a total of $10.6 million — in taxes from the jackpot, which is the 10th largest in Pennsylvania lottery history.
"We're still in shock," Jean said at Friday's news conference, held at the Pennsylvania Lottery headquarters in Middletown.
Accompanying Jean at the event were three other winners: sister-in-law Linda Edwards, also of Willow Street, and two nieces, Yvonne Edwards of Washington Boro and Melanie Funk of Lancaster.
Their publicity-shy husbands stayed home, said Jean, who described how Barrie came to possess the winning ticket.
A week ago Friday — Aug. 1 — he was headed to the Turkey Hill Minit Market, 2921 Willow Street Pike, where he and Terry play the lottery regularly twice a week. Before he went into the store, Jean handed him a coupon she'd received in the mail for a free Powerball ticket. Barrie also bought his own Powerball ticket and two Match 6 tickets.
On Saturday, Barrie watched the returns on TV and saw the numbers on his freebie ticket, picked at random by a computer, match the numbers on the five white balls - 2-5-28-33-54 — and the red Powerball — 30.
"I had already gone to bed," Jean recalled. "(Barrie) came back to the bedroom, threw the light on and said, 'We just won the Powerball.'
"I said, 'Yeah, right, turn off the light.' "
After double-checking the results on the Internet, the Edwardses called Terry and Linda at midnight.
"I had the same reaction (as Jean)," Linda recalled. "I said, 'Why are you calling me at 12 o'clock to play a joke?' "
Once they, too, were convinced the ticket was a winner, Jean called the family's accountant on Sunday and their attorney on Monday.
Then it was time to notify the other family members.
Decades ago, Barrie and Terry had vowed to share their winnings with their extended family if they hit it big in the lottery - but their nieces and nephews knew nothing of the pact.
The two couples kept the news secret until Wednesday night, when they made the rounds in person and by telephone, telling incredulous relatives they, too, had just become millionaires.
"They went around to all of our houses, and it was like the Prize Patrol," Yvonne Edwards said. "I think I still don't believe it."
Linda said there was never a doubt that Barrie would share his windfall.
"He's a very honest person. My husband is, too," she said. "We knew the verbal agreement would be upheld, no matter who bought the ticket."
Learning that her uncle was giving her $1.4 million was "shocking and overwhelming," Funk said.
Despite her millionaire status, she plans to keep her job at a Lancaster trust company, as does Yvonne, who works for High Industries.
Yvonne said she and her husband, Ronald, plan to pay off their mortgage and give their daughter, who recently got engaged, a first-class wedding.
Linda will take an early retirement from her job at the Jay Group, she said.
Jean and Barrie have been retired for nine years, and Terry, a self-employed plumber, also is retired.
Other family members reached by telephone declined to comment on their plans.
The other winners, who will receive $1.4 million, are Robert and Elaine Funk and Jeffrey and Donna Funk, all of Mountville; Gerald and Lynn Hess of Davidson, S.C.; and K. Scott Edwards of Lusby, Md.
Jean said she's happy her nieces and nephews will have fewer worries about bills.
As for her, she's looking forward to that Wyoming vacation and a possible trip to Disney World with members of her extended family.
But otherwise, she'll continue to follow her normal routine, which includes lots of traveling and volunteering at Manor Animal Hospital.
"The animal hospital called me and said, 'You don't have to come in anymore — you're a millionaire now!' "
I'll say it again as I said many times before, if you are not smart enough to put $46.5 million dollars to use and change your life, and just want to stay "the same," you don't need the money. Just donate it or burn it. It is an absolute waste of such a "life changing" jackpot. But they are probably lying.
sirbrad...you really are an ANGRY person, aren't you? I feel sorry for people that have to be around your negativity in your day to day life. I don't come on here much nor post much, but when I do, I can count on a negative sirbrad comment somewhere. Sheesh!
Quote: Originally posted by thunderstorm210 on Aug 11, 2008
very touching story......but has anyone else seen the upgrade MM just made to their website.....OMG it looks amazing!
I just looked at it, it looks great. I'm glad they finally updated it. Do you know, by any chance, if the subscriptions they are talking about on their website is talking about whether you can purchase tickets online or not? Virginia has that option, but they have been down for a year, if not over a year. I hate their website.
Quote: Originally posted by thunderstorm210 on Aug 11, 2008
very touching story......but has anyone else seen the upgrade MM just made to their website.....OMG it looks amazing!
Congrats to the winners!
The updated site did not impress me much AND they sure did not test it on Firefox... with the bookmarks open on the sidebar the left side of the page gets clipped.
On Saturday, Barrie watched the returns on TV and saw the numbers on his freebie ticket, picked at random by a computer, match the numbers on the five white balls - 2-5-28-33-54 — and the red Powerball — 30.
I didn't know PowerBall numbers were picked by a computer.
On Saturday, Barrie watched the returns on TV and saw the numbers on his freebie ticket, picked at random by a computer, match the numbers on the five white balls - 2-5-28-33-54 — and the red Powerball — 30.
I didn't know PowerBall numbers were picked by a computer.
I've always wanted to be at one of these press conferences so when the winner says something like "I am going to stay the same, I am going to keep my job" I can respond with "Well then why in the hell would you buy a lottery ticket for an $80 million jackpot??" Just to see the person's reaction.
Of course they are lying (although they probably don't know it yet). Although props to the woman who volunteers at the animal shelter. That's good work.
Quote: Originally posted by sirbrad on Aug 11, 2008
I'll say it again as I said many times before, if you are not smart enough to put $46.5 million dollars to use and change your life, and just want to stay "the same," you don't need the money. Just donate it or burn it. It is an absolute waste of such a "life changing" jackpot. But they are probably lying.
I can certainly understand your frustration. So many people NEED this kind of $$$, their homes are in foreclosure or struggling to feed their families and this granny acts like she just won a quilt from the Senior Citizen Center. Oh how nice to win...it won't change me. i seriously hope she knows how incredibly fortuante she is to not even seriously need the $$$
Quote: Originally posted by GamerMom on Aug 11, 2008
I can certainly understand your frustration. So many people NEED this kind of $$$, their homes are in foreclosure or struggling to feed their families and this granny acts like she just won a quilt from the Senior Citizen Center. Oh how nice to win...it won't change me. i seriously hope she knows how incredibly fortuante she is to not even seriously need the $$$
If you haven't noticed, the people who say "It won't change me" are not exactly kids. I think that as people age that more and more of them think of the core "me" as something quite apart from the surface appearance. If I had millions I would drive a new car instead of an 18 year old one. The carpeting in my house would be new, not worn-out and outdated. I'd hire a housekeeper and gardener instead of doing it all myself. I'd get a facelift. I'd be able to donate $1,000,000 to my favorite charity instead of just $100.
But all that wouldn't, as I see it, change me.
I'd still be basically a loner. I'd still value my family, though I might not see them often. (They live across the country.) I'd still spend a lot of time reading, quilting, and in the other activities I do now. I'd still feel it was wrong to spend money lavishly on oneself when one could use it to help humans or animals in need. I wouldn't change my opinions about abortion or the death penalty or dozens of other things. Those are some of the things that IMO make me - me.
Some people you might think are changed by large amounts of money haven't really. They're still the same egotistical and selfish &%!@#* people they were before, just richer ones.
I guess its just the way you take her comments. I mean, I've heard those who say "if you were happy before the win, you'll be happier after." What I'm thinking about the whole "changing everything" aspect is this:
USING MY OWN LIFE...........
Family~~~~
I am happy with my husband, I adore him dearly. I have great, beautiful children...for that I am blessed.
Finances~~~~
OH MY LORD I'M IN A SINKING SHIP! Mayday! Mayday! LOL
I guess I'm not a completely happy person..so would I change? HE!! Yes!!!!!!!!! I have a whole list of things that are either falling apart, or just about ready to. My body included hehe. I'm talking a new house, new car, clothes (for once in my life) vacations..(I forgot what they were). I would make the best of everything that has made me miserable for years and years.
I'm thinking this women is one of those (hard to find) happy people who are happy before their wins ya know? Car?..."ah its just fine." House?...."nothing wrong with it so why move." Vacations?..."well, don't like to travel too much, but I guess we'll take the grandkids to Disney World or something like that." How about clothes?....."Oh! I don't mind Walmart." LOL
I can see ones frustration about lack of the desire to go just wak crazy when you are fortunate enough to win big (as we all wish) then say "Nothings changing, we just have a bigger bank account now." But I'm thinking that what she may of meant was not changing who they are. Still want to mow his own lawn......she really enjoys woking with animals........kids at heart Disney World here we come, and well........a $17,000 new car is fine...I don't need a $86,000 car in my driveway. I'm sure they will splurge on things, but wanted to maybe get the point across that they are not going to go all "ritzy" and change the down to earth people they may have always been. I'm glad for them though. I think thats a great attitude to have. No one agrees?
But!!! If they are going to be a "we're gonna live on $3,000 a month budget even though were millionaires" well then ya......don't hoard your money..donate...help those in need....make a difference for someone less fortunate.
I hope they have a blast, and I hope even more that i will have the change to experience that too one day.
very touching story......but has anyone else seen the upgrade MM just made to their website.....OMG it looks amazing!
That is very generous of them to share their winnings like that. Congrats to the winners!
I'll say it again as I said many times before, if you are not smart enough to put $46.5 million dollars to use and change your life, and just want to stay "the same," you don't need the money. Just donate it or burn it. It is an absolute waste of such a "life changing" jackpot. But they are probably lying.
They always seem to say the same thing about not changing.. We'll see how that holds up one to five years from now.
Congrats to them though.
sirbrad...you really are an ANGRY person, aren't you? I feel sorry for people that have to be around your negativity in your day to day life. I don't come on here much nor post much, but when I do, I can count on a negative sirbrad comment somewhere. Sheesh!
I just looked at it, it looks great. I'm glad they finally updated it. Do you know, by any chance, if the subscriptions they are talking about on their website is talking about whether you can purchase tickets online or not? Virginia has that option, but they have been down for a year, if not over a year. I hate their website.
Congrats to the winners!
The updated site did not impress me much AND they sure did not test it on Firefox... with the bookmarks open on the sidebar the left side of the page gets clipped.
On Saturday, Barrie watched the returns on TV and saw the numbers on his freebie ticket, picked at random by a computer, match the numbers on the five white balls - 2-5-28-33-54 — and the red Powerball — 30.
I didn't know PowerBall numbers were picked by a computer.
The numbers on the ticket were picked at random.
Yup, chalk another one up for QuikPiks.
I've always wanted to be at one of these press conferences so when the winner says something like "I am going to stay the same, I am going to keep my job" I can respond with "Well then why in the hell would you buy a lottery ticket for an $80 million jackpot??" Just to see the person's reaction.
Of course they are lying (although they probably don't know it yet). Although props to the woman who volunteers at the animal shelter. That's good work.
I can certainly understand your frustration. So many people NEED this kind of $$$, their homes are in foreclosure or struggling to feed their families and this granny acts like she just won a quilt from the Senior Citizen Center. Oh how nice to win...it won't change me. i seriously hope she knows how incredibly fortuante she is to not even seriously need the $$$
If you haven't noticed, the people who say "It won't change me" are not exactly kids. I think that as people age that more and more of them think of the core "me" as something quite apart from the surface appearance. If I had millions I would drive a new car instead of an 18 year old one. The carpeting in my house would be new, not worn-out and outdated. I'd hire a housekeeper and gardener instead of doing it all myself. I'd get a facelift. I'd be able to donate $1,000,000 to my favorite charity instead of just $100.
But all that wouldn't, as I see it, change me.
I'd still be basically a loner. I'd still value my family, though I might not see them often. (They live across the country.) I'd still spend a lot of time reading, quilting, and in the other activities I do now. I'd still feel it was wrong to spend money lavishly on oneself when one could use it to help humans or animals in need. I wouldn't change my opinions about abortion or the death penalty or dozens of other things. Those are some of the things that IMO make me - me.
Some people you might think are changed by large amounts of money haven't really. They're still the same egotistical and selfish &%!@#* people they were before, just richer ones.
What makes you - you?
I guess its just the way you take her comments. I mean, I've heard those who say "if you were happy before the win, you'll be happier after." What I'm thinking about the whole "changing everything" aspect is this:
USING MY OWN LIFE...........
Family~~~~
I am happy with my husband, I adore him dearly. I have great, beautiful children...for that I am blessed.
Finances~~~~
OH MY LORD I'M IN A SINKING SHIP! Mayday! Mayday! LOL
I guess I'm not a completely happy person..so would I change? HE!! Yes!!!!!!!!! I have a whole list of things that are either falling apart, or just about ready to. My body included hehe. I'm talking a new house, new car, clothes (for once in my life) vacations..(I forgot what they were). I would make the best of everything that has made me miserable for years and years.
I'm thinking this women is one of those (hard to find) happy people who are happy before their wins ya know? Car?..."ah its just fine." House?...."nothing wrong with it so why move." Vacations?..."well, don't like to travel too much, but I guess we'll take the grandkids to Disney World or something like that." How about clothes?....."Oh! I don't mind Walmart." LOL
I can see ones frustration about lack of the desire to go just wak crazy when you are fortunate enough to win big (as we all wish) then say "Nothings changing, we just have a bigger bank account now." But I'm thinking that what she may of meant was not changing who they are. Still want to mow his own lawn......she really enjoys woking with animals........kids at heart Disney World here we come, and well........a $17,000 new car is fine...I don't need a $86,000 car in my driveway. I'm sure they will splurge on things, but wanted to maybe get the point across that they are not going to go all "ritzy" and change the down to earth people they may have always been. I'm glad for them though. I think thats a great attitude to have. No one agrees?
But!!! If they are going to be a "we're gonna live on $3,000 a month budget even though were millionaires" well then ya......don't hoard your money..donate...help those in need....make a difference for someone less fortunate.
I hope they have a blast, and I hope even more that i will have the change to experience that too one day.
Tummy tuck!!! Here I come!!!!!!!