Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 21, 1994 TAG: 9408210075
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BOWLING GREEN LENGTH: Medium
For 10 years, Bryant worked as a secretary in the guidance department at Walker Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg. But that position, like a dozen other city school jobs, fell victim to budget cuts, Personnel Director Rick Hall said.
Hall said Bryant's sudden wealth was not the reason she was let go, but Bryant wonders if school officials figured she just didn't need the money.
"It was a total shock," she said. "It was really difficult, very emotional for me. I hadn't planned on leaving."
Bryant and her husband, Eddie, who have three children, split a Dec. 18 Lotto jackpot of $20.6 million with a Patrick County family. After taxes, the winners each receive $350,000 annually for 20 years.
Bryant said people had speculated about how long she and her husband would continue at their jobs. Eddie Bryant left his job at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, but his wife isn't ready to stay home.
"I'll go crazy," she said.
So Bryant has turned her attention to finding a job. She would like to work in a public school system, because her hours and vacations would mirror those of her youngest daughter.
"When September rolls around and my old friends go back to work, I'll be depressed," she said. "I guess I could volunteer somewhere, just to be around real people."
Since winning, the Bryants have changed little. In fact, they kept their new-found fortune a secret from the rest of the family until after New Year's so they could have a normal Christmas.
They still live in the same modest house near Bowling Green, and don't want to make too many changes while their youngest is still in high school and living with them.
"I feel like Eddie and I have stayed the same. Other people probably think about our money more than we do," Bryant said.
by CNB