BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC — A woman from Shallotte, North Carolina, has come forward with what she believes is the winning Powerball ticket from Wednesday's drawing.
A reporter who spoke with 26-year-old Marie Holmes confirms the numbers and date on her ticket match those that were drawn for the $188 million payout.
"I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw the ticket and checked it," Holmes explained with a noticeable grin. The mother of four said she screamed after the winning numbers were drawn Wednesday night and ran and told her kids. "They said I scared them," Holmes joked.Holmes said she was forced to quit her jobs at Walmart and McDonald's to care for her children, one of whom has cerebral palsy. She said the first thing she's going to do with the money is tithe because, as she puts it, "I wouldn't have none of it if it wasn't for God."
Holmes also plans to set up college funds for her children and buy a new house after deciding where to move. When asked if she's ready for the impact the lottery win will have on her life, Holmes offered, "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."
Holmes will confer with lawyers and speak to a financial advisor in Raleigh before turning in the ticket to North Carolina lottery officials.
According to the N.C. Education Lottery's twitter page, the ticket is worth $188 million annuity paid over 30 years, or a $127 million lump sum payment before federal and state taxes are withheld. The store is eligible to receive $50,000 retailer incentive award for selling the winning jackpot ticket, according to the NC Education Lottery.
"It's a lucky day to be in North Carolina," said Alice Garland, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. "We look forward to meeting the jackpot winner, but the most important thing for the winner to do today is sign the back of the ticket and secure it in a safe place. This is a life-changing event. The lucky winner should take some time and get sound professional advice before coming in to get the big check."
This will be the fourth time a North Carolina ticket has claimed a Powerball jackpot win.
The jackpot for Wednesday's drawing had climbed to an estimated $564 million. The winning numbers were 11, 13, 25, 39, and 54, with Powerball number 19.
The two other winning tickets were purchased in Puerto Rico and in Texas.
The previous North Carolina record jackpot win was $141.4 million, set in February 2010.
(Click to display full-size in gallery)
Congrats to Marie Holmes!
Oh dear god in heaven. I hope she doesn't come up missing. What a fool thing to do, come forward before turning in the ticket.
Dayum can you be more positive you mad because you didnt win
Those that need it, got it... sweeeeet.
Congratulation Marie, I am so glad that you gave God the glory. It's nice that she is going to consult with a Financial Adviser and Lawyer to make sure her children are provided for.
Looks like she won it on the fourth line
26 years old? Not 86? Conspiracy theorists have definitely been driven underground! Lol.
What are you talking about!? Or is this a poor attempt to stir up drama?
Congrats to Mrs. Marie Holmes and her family. She sure sounds like a deserving winner.
She gives credit to the Lord for her blessing.
I Pray for her continued success and protection.
Why do you feel obligated to respond to everything I post? Learn to ignore things sometimes. Geesh. It's called restraint.
Where are these conspiracy theorists that you're so scared of, that you constantly post about? Learn to ignore things! Sheesh! No one has been complaining here except the usual ones that complain about people complaining about places that win. Now that no one is complaining you same ones and new ones are trying to drum up an argument/fight like usual. You people can't just be happy and leave things be! Try that so called restraint!
Hmmm...let me think what to say....I guess congratulations is in order. Very few people wins the lottery. It's quite a challenge for me. And I find it intriguing.
What's with all the explanation marks? Why you find yourself so passionate about this? Should we wear uniforms when we log into LP as well? We must all be of the same mind and thought, I assume. You people? Is this a movement now? You are working yourself up over nothing and clearly have gone off your meds or are bored out of your mind and feel compelled to engage me. Try some chamomile tea. It will help until your courier brings the chemical version of what keeps you normal.
"Marie Holmes plans to open college funds for her four children, as well as buy a new house." ... well she should have enough for that ... comfortably.
That was my first thought after I saw how quickly she identified herself.
I hope I am wrong.
Speak for yourself- not everyone under the age of 30 is dumb with money.This is a Mother first. She had no reason to tell the press that one of her children needs special care- yet here you are " raining down on her parade". Be Truly glad for once. If l am not mistaken, you were one of the person's who shouted from the rooftops " One Winner", if this was to be it, would you have said " Broke in 12 years?"
Your pessimism is astounding- If no one has said this to you before" You truly are a piece of work"
Congratulations Marie Holmes. I wish you and your family all the best with your new found wealth.
That was your First thought? Think on this- In 2013- an Engineer from Minn who was a winner of a either the MM or PB jackpot came forward in hours, or the very next day and people were also surprised, by all accounts things have turned out well for him. I don't recall anyone making mention of him going " Broke". Be happy for people who win, l would hate to think that people would be saying the same about you had you won.
These kinds of remarks could very well draw people to think they made because of Race. Live and let live.
Congratulations to all the winner. Hope you will continue to be blessed with great decision making skills
Congrats Marie Holmes ! Cool story and nice to hear it went to a grounded individual. God is good
Congrats to her! Her winnings will certainly help the local economy. And yes, I'm shocked that the winner is 26 years old. I was convinced they'd be at least 62 years old! After all, Brunswick County (where the ticket was bought) is home to a high number of retirees.
Geez too much DRAMA on here. Congrats to the big winners. Ok someone pour me a drink.
And what would be the problem with a 62 year old person winning!
Dpoly, I never said there was!
I am in ny tri state(nj)
However, mi parents play at same store at times in North Carolina,
as my other family near rocky mount,charlotte,raleigh too!..."
So very happy for a mujer,(woman) who REALLY in her mid upper 20s need the cash$$$$
whatever age where some says honestly,WE DO NOT HAVE TO STRUGGLE NO MORE,aw i love this so much.
-
THESE are people,good folk who "really need it should win,so god speed to her."
I know her uncle will be getting a cool SEVERAL MILLION $$$$ premise on he the one she got the ticket to or so i read
also in other news online,and heard on NBC TODAY SHOW.
adios
felicidades!(congrats!)
Definitely is all about LUCK...
Not how I would have done it, but congrats to her. Hope she sticks with her plans, it sounds like she should do well with the money.
I'm just glad it's someone from nc and not someone just passing through!
oh i agree D POLY i am not near 60s.. (another almost 30 yrs for that or 27 yrs)but i think the BEST thing is
when some 18 to 100 win and really need it,simple as that. I love this story and i feel as i said prior,any 1 who need it.
so i am happy for whoever win,who really need it
HAPPY FOR HER and her special needs child,will now have thankfully the BEST CARE $$$$ can buy.
I m prayin since though she is still really young,she will be MORE RESPONSIBLE WITH THE DINERO$$$$$
SOME SPEND IT ALL WITHIN FEW SEVERAL YEARS,younger under 50,and older.so we will see.
GOD SPEED TO HER
felicidades!!!
Odds that she is broke in 2 years? Let's check how responsible she is:
--26 years old and 4 kids
--Giving TV interviews BEFORE you turn in the ticket
--Planning to give the money to a CHURCH? These mega-buildings that already have millions? Why not flush the money down the toilet?
Yeah, good luck.
the good thing about the lottery is anyone can win the lottery. the bad thing about the lottery is anyone can win the lottery.
The upside is, according to news reports she was en route to a meeting with her attorney and financial planner. I guess she assemble her team quicker than most.
Finally checked my tickets this morning and had 4 winners, $100, (2) $7 and a $4 ticket. The $100 and (1) $7 ticket was purchased in FL and the others were bought in SC and NC. I guess I will be sending the tickets to a friend in FL so she can cash them for me. I bought a total 27 tickets so I came out ok.
Good luck to the 26 year old mother and hope she gets competent advice.
Is she with her baby's daddy's? If not, he, she, or they will be taking HER to court for child support.
She was the provider she was working two jobs that she had to quit to provide for one of her children that has Cerebral Palsy I am giving her the benefit of the doubt since she gave God all the glory to me that means a lot.
Not sure if she is with the father of her children but she apparently has custody of her children. Chances are the father(s) are not involved with the children as she lives with her mother.
She doesn't have to worry about working at Wal-Mart or Mcdonalds ever again. I just hope she relocates to a guard gated neighborhood preferably out of state to raise her children.
She definitely needs help with her children and should seek refuge for her family and mother in a new and safe neighborhood somewhere out of state.
Obvious Marie Holmes is a Christian and she is being obedient by tithing she is giving God all the glory when you win you can do what you want with your winnings as she is doing. There was a man in Missouri that won the Powerball at the store he bought the ticket from he did an interview the next day and he had multiple kids as well plus the kids his girlfriend had so far there has been no bad news stories about him.
She'd be a good candidate for the annuity..........
Agree she needs help seems like she is dong everything right by meeting with an attorney and financial adviser.
Her lawyer and financial adviser may advise her of that option.
Come on guys, ENOUGH!!! Enough with all this negativity, bad vibes if not malice. Be happy for her, for them. We ALL wanted to have that feeling, to be 'shocked', to be relieved, to be ecstatic, even overwhelmed. Please stop with all the hating and mean spirited comments. Would I have come forward so quickly?, no but more so because i have so many issues i would need to clean up before. So good on her, go get that money girl!! Go get that money!!! ITS YOURS!!!!!
WAY TO GO Young Lady!!! Now go LIVE IT UP!!!! Be smart and careful and remember to ENJOY!! ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!!
I remember him doing the interview with co-workers looking on. He had talked about buying a lot of land or farm somewhere and I hope him and his family are safe and doing well.
l am trying to figure out what concerns you the most..
Her Age, having 4 children, her coming forward this soon, giving to her Church?
Have you given it much thought that she could've been on welfare and has now been unshackled from it? Her moment of Financial Freedom has arrived!
She is getting North of $80 mil.. who blows through that amount of money but..some NBA players & Mike Tyson! Give Her some credit.
Yep I remember he said he was going to take the family to Disney World
seems like he is being smart with his money he was a single dad raising his children with his girlfriend and her children he spent his last $5 dollars and won love stories like this. 
Yeah, but lets not forget all the Harvard/Yale Educated Wall Street Bankers/Accountants/Lawyers who have done just the same!!! Some have Blown through much much more!! So lets not think its those who are poor or of a certain socio-economic background or just NBA PLAYERS or MIKE TYSON!!! But i get your point....i think!!
Wow, some these comments are just so judgmental. What happen to being happy for others? Or is it that some of you are mad cause you did not win. I mean if you can try to predict how many years she will go broke, then how come you couldn't predict the numbers to win your share of the pot?
Congratulations Marie! You are in a position to not only be a blessing to your family and friends, to many. God bless you!!!
Agreed- l could have thrown in Bernie Madoff in there as well but l mentioned those who for the most part are/were front & center, those who are in front of microphones spouting off about this or that & what they earning. These Wall Street guru's etc who lose mega cash keep a low profile until it hits the fan.
Congratulations!!
Thank you! it was my biggest PB/MM win so far but to be fair I also went overboard from my usual 2 tickets when I ended up with 27 for the last drawing.
She looks so sweet,Im happy for you,be careful,be safe,think strong as you are.Many Blessings to you and your family
Lol you are a Hater. The main reason you will never win
I hope she finds a group of attorney/CPA's who have some integrity and will do their best to look out for her best interest. Even if she only bought CD's, $70 million earning 1% annually would bring in $700k yearly.
She needs to keep a tight lid on her small circle of friends and be extra vigilante about who she helps.
Hate and jealousy will get you know where I am happy for her God will keep her safe.
Woo Hoo
Contrats Marie enjoy winnings, nothing happens before time.continue to to gave him thanks and praise.
I went a little overboard on mine also but I came up with just $4.
Plenty of past winners have blown through that kind of money and more. She didn't make a smart move by going public on her own via the media.
I would of been a little more quieter with the whole thing.............but “To each their own”.
Lmao
"Plenty of past winner's have blown thru more than $80 mil?"
Don't take this personal but l Challenge you to produce 3 such winners; not 4, just 3 who burned through that amount. Second thing : She is Excited. .excitement does things to people, whether it was a wise decision or not to come forward this quick, it is a decision she made.Don't forget the word EXCITEMENT.
By the way in an earlier posting l mention a project Engineer from Minn in 2013 who came forward within hours or a day after him winning half of a multi million dollar jackpot- an Engineer for crying out loud, so let's just stop nitpicking this wealthy woman.It's her party and she can cry if she wants to..
26 years old, works at Walmart and has 4 kids. That money is as good as gone. After her friends, boyfriends and family, the church, lawyers and financial experts are done with her she'll be lucky if she has $50,000 left to her name when this is all done. When you win a certain amount of money your previous financial circumstances should really be evaluated a mandatory percentage of the money should be placed into an account that you can't touch for X amount of years and distributed gradually for your protection. This goes for pro-athletes also. You can't hand someone that was making $8/hr tens of millions of dollars in one fell swoop, like a monkey a loaded gun. The ones too that are eager to come forward right away and let everyone know they one as opposed to taking their time, setting things up and trying to remain anonymous are the ones usually prone to disaster. This is going to be a real sad story down the road.
Tithing is the biggest scam in the world, and her church will milk her dry. Now that she has money, that church will make her feel guilty if she doesn't give at least 50 percent to them.
The other 50 percent will be pissed away by these financial "advisors" who love to take advantage of financially ignorant people.
She'll be back at Mickey D's within two years, and I will bet any amount of money on that.
If she stays in her hometown and is unable to find a trustworthy tax attorney/CPA/advisor then perhaps your scenario will play out. On the other hand, if she is able to get away and start a new life in a different state then I feel there is hope for her. She needs to get away from Shallotte, NC as soon as she can or the vultures will prey on her.
As of today, her as well as her family are no longer safe. I hope she can go to a bank and get a cash advance and leave town as soon as she can. That also means yanking her children out of school.
The three reverends in my neighborhood that live in million dollar homes and drive Mercedes, Jaguars and BMWs would like you to kindly keep your thoughts to yourself. I can't decide if they are the bigger con artists or the guy that runs some charity that has an expensive house also as well as 3 cars that cost over $100,000.
" This is going to be a sad story down the road?" You know this how, by guessing?
By the way have you ever collected $80 mil after taxes? Are you a financial adviser who has looked into past clients habits and see the same in this woman's financial history and now feel that you in a position to come up with these gems of foresight?
* How would you like reading your post if you won that money and others said that about you?
Know what Louie- you ought to take the earliest flight to her city, ask her for a one on one discussion to " alert" her of the Perils that await. I mean dude, look into the whites of her eyes and even if you have to shed a tear in your conviction, let her know you truly concerned about her & the kids..that should win her over..
So because she's a Christian and is obedient she is ignorant???? WOW!!!! What makes her ignorant because she decided to tithe and consult an attorney and adviser like most winners do? I don't know why you are calling this woman names all because she decided to go public like many other winners have done. Yes she should of waited but she didn't so get over it hopefully her attorney has advised her of such anonymity.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
What if...just what if her Church "took her in" when she had no one to turn to. What if they showed great love for her and her family, providing food & other necessary things. Love compels us to return the favor- we know squat on how her church reached out to her etc etc. If she feels she needs to tithe- she could make a $5 mil donation and still good about herself.
Others shove their millions up their noses and no one cares..yet just you give to your Church or place of Worship....
I really don't know what your problem is? There have been winners that have went public in the beginning and disappeared out of the media after receiving their winnings. Chris Shaw won the Powerball in 2010 he came forward the next day and he seems to be doing ok. Paul White came forward within days he won it 2013 so far so good. Ira Curry won the Mega Million is 2013 and she went public before she cashed her ticket so far so good. Dave Honeywell won the Powerball in 2013 8 days later he and his family went to the location where he bought the tickets to receive the ceremonial check so far so good. and lets not forget Lottery Post favorite winner Pedro Quezada he also went public so far so good.
No one knows what the futures holds for this woman(except that she has millions in the bank) why don't you hope that she does the right thing with her financial blessing. As a Christian Conservative I wish her and her family the best.