Lottery Winner Once Filed for Bankruptcy

Ira Curry, the Stone Mountain resident who won a big share of this week's Mega Millions jackpot, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in 1994, according to public records. 

The filing gave Curry, 56, and her husband Talmer, 74, up to five years to pay off debtors, and was discharged in 1999.

The Currys will collect around $120 million in cash within the next week after buying a single lottery ticket using numbers picked from the family's birthdays. It's the largest lottery cash payout in Georgia history.

The couple is now in seclusion and not talking to members of the media. Their Stone Mountain home appears to be empty and is being staked out by reporters and onlookers. WSB reported a number of financial planners and tax advisers have been leaving their business cards at the front door. 

For the last five years, Curry has worked as a property underwriting manager for a British company called Aspen Insurance, based in Buckhead, company officials told the AJC. 

“It could not have happened to a nicer person, and we are excited for her good fortune,” Aspen CEO Mario Vitale said. 

See also:
Stone Mountain Lottery Winner 'In State of Shock'
Stone Mountain Couple Wins Mega Millions Lottery