Burlington woman uses family birthdays to win $2 million prize in Mega Millions

BURLINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Burlington woman who used the birthdates of family members to pick her numbers took home $2 million in Friday's Mega Millions drawing.

"I don't even know how to feel," laughed Brenda Stokes. "I'm so excited."

Stokes won the only $2 million prize in the country in Friday's drawing. She matched all five white balls. The odds were 1 in 12.6 million.

"It's a blessing," Stokes said.

She bought her lucky $3 ticket from Philomena Inc., an Exxon gas station/convenience store on South Church Street in Burlington. The five matched numbers gave her $1 million and she doubled that with the 2X Megaplier.

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"I'm still in shock," she said.

Stokes collected her prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh and after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $1.43 million.

She said she plans to invest the money and maybe treat herself to a trip.

Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing has a $148 million jackpot.