Woman who won $1 million from scratch-off says winnings will buy a headstone for son’s grave

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) - An Arkansas woman who became a millionaire after winning the lottery said she will be using some of the money to buy a gravestone for her son.

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery announced Friday that the woman, who wanted to stay anonymous, won $1 million playing a $20 instant scratch-off game she purchased at a Kum & Go in Jonesboro.

According to a news release, the winner stopped at the store to use the restroom. She decided to buy a ticket before she left the store, although she said she didn’t think she would win.

As she started scratching off the ticket while still in the store, and before she’d revealed all the numbers, she saw she had won the top prize.

“When I hit that, y’all don’t even want to know my first thought,” she told lottery officials as she picked up her check on Thursday.

She said she first called her sister before sharing the news with her daughter and grandchildren.

“Do you love your grandma?” she asked them. “Well, you’re really going to love her now.”

She said she plans to use the winnings to pay off her truck along with paying for other expenses.

She also said she will use some of the money to purchase a headstone for her son’s grave.

Even though she won $1 million, the woman said she won’t quit her job anytime soon.

“I’m not old enough to retire,” she said.