Norcross, Ga., woman comes forward with winning ticket for $46 million

Monday, Jan. 3, 2000 | 4 a.m.

Because Katheryn Lowry, 61, and her husband Paul Lowry, 70, chose the lump sum cash payment, they will receive nearly $22.5 million before taxes.

"I didn't believe it," Mrs. Lowry said. "I took a lot of deep breaths. The first thing I did was call my daughter, who thought I was pulling her leg."

Aside from buying lakefront property and building a summer home there, and purchasing a pontoon boat, the Lowrys said they don't have any extravagant spending plans.

"We've got a big family - six children and 15 grandchildren," Mrs. Lowry said. "We'll be putting the kids through college."

Mrs. Lowry, who worked as a loan processor for Premier Lending, also announced her retirement Monday, saying the jackpot enabled her to retire a year ahead of schedule.

"We already have a good life," said Paul Lowry, who is retired.

The Lowrys celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary Dec. 29 and have spent about $5 a week on Georgia lottery tickets since it started and plan to keep playing.

"I normally spend about $5, but this time bought $10," Mrs. Lowry said. "We've got grandkids going to college, so I anticipate buying more."

She purchased her quick pick ticket at RaceTrac Number 490 on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross.

Lottery officials presented her with a check for $22,471,914.

A winning ticket also was sold for Saturday night's $15 million Georgia Lotto drawing. The ticketholder has not yet come forward.