From Humble Roots to a Legacy of Giving

Rising from Resilience: Pearlie’s Early Struggles

In the heart of South Trenton, New Jersey, Pearlie Mae Smith built her world with unwavering determination. Born in 1946, she navigated through an era where resilience wasn’t just a virtue but a necessity. Eventually, she found love and married Seamus Smith, a dedicated steel-mill worker whose strong hands helped shape America’s industrial backbone until his untimely passing in 1989. Subsequently, Pearlie courageously shouldered the responsibility of raising seven children alone. Despite their modest three-bedroom home, she remained steadfast in her pursuits. At Clara Parker Elementary School, where her own children learned their fundamentals, she worked diligently as a paraprofessional. Throughout these challenges, she consistently instilled strong values of faith, hard work, and community spirit.

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In 1994, life presented another test when her beloved brother Anthony tragically died in a car accident. Consequently, her Pentecostal faith became an even stronger anchor in her life. As the pastor of Calvary Pentecostal Church in Trenton, she passionately shared messages of hope and perseverance. Moreover, she faithfully maintained her tithing practice, even during periods of financial hardship. Although gambling never particularly appealed to her, she occasionally purchased lottery tickets during substantial jackpots.

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United by Dreams: The Smith Family’s Triumphs

Under her watchful guidance, her children flourished. Her eldest, Valerie Arthur, dedicated 27 years to the state corrections system, while Katherine Nicole Nunnally pursued a career in education. Additionally, the family included Rene Bethina Smith, Jackie Sessoms, Steven Smith, and two others who preferred to maintain their privacy. Together, they formed an incredibly tight-knit family unit.

Furthermore, the family often pooled their resources for various needs, including lottery tickets. Meanwhile, Valerie, who spent 15 years mentoring young women, frequently spoke about the power of dreams. Her unique blend of practicality and spirituality ultimately set the stage for what would unfold next. In early May 2016, Valerie approached her mother with a sense of urgency. After seeing a Powerball billboard, she felt strongly compelled to take action. Remarkably, the family maintains that the winning numbers came through divine guidance: 5, 25, 26, 44, 66, with Powerball 9.

Following this spiritual prompting, Pearlie visited the local 7-Eleven in Trenton. She purchased two $3 tickets and added Power Play options. This modest $6 investment would soon transform their lives completely.

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Jackpot Joy: The Miracle Million-Dollar Moment

On May 7, 2016, their world changed forever. During the drawing, they discovered they held the only winning ticket. The jackpot was worth an astounding $429.6 million. This remarkable win marked two significant milestones: it became the sixth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and stood as New Jersey’s biggest lottery win ever.

The odds were truly mind-boggling: one in 292.2 million.

At the news conference on May 13, 2016, Pearlie’s voice remained steady. However, her wide eyes revealed her amazement. “Wow, this is really happening,” she said softly.

“The shock hit us twice,” Valerie recounted thoughtfully. “Initially, when we discovered our win, and subsequently when we realized we were the sole winners.”

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Fortune with Foresight: Navigating New Riches

Subsequently, the family approached their newfound wealth with careful deliberation. Before making any public announcements, they wisely sought counsel from previous lottery winners. Furthermore, they methodically assembled a professional support team, including legal advisors, a financial accountant, a wealth manager, and a personal development coach.

After careful consideration, they opted for the lump-sum payment. Following tax deductions, the $284 million was evenly distributed among eight family members, with each receiving approximately $25 million.

The immediate aftermath brought practical transformations intertwined with profound gratitude. Long-standing financial obligations swiftly dissolved. Moreover, student loans and mortgage payments were eliminated, bringing welcome financial freedom.

Their celebrations remained remarkably grounded and purposeful. Initially, the family embarked on a reflective vacation. Subsequently, some members invested in new homes. Additionally, they generously shared portions with their extended family, including their 29 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Nevertheless, they maintained their characteristic humility. Notably, Pearlie continued driving her trusted Subaru. Furthermore, most family members retained their regular employment, staying firmly connected to their roots.

Valerie demonstrated remarkable foresight. “Eventually, everyone will emerge from the woodwork,” she anticipated, preparing for inevitable calls from distant connections.

Faith-Fueled Giving: Turning Blessings Outward

The Smiths viewed their fortune as an instrument for positive change. Guided by their deep-rooted faith, they committed 10% of their winnings to their church and local community.

“This money is unfolding God’s plan,” Katherine Nunnally later reflected thoughtfully.

True to their commitment, they contributed $750,000 toward a new church building. The impressive 400-seat facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey, served the Philadelphia-based Mount Sinai Holy Church. Situated on 133 acres in Cumberland County, it emerged as a beacon of hope.

Their vision extended beyond physical structures. Recognizing Trenton’s endemic poverty, they aimed for sustainable impact. Consequently, they established the Smith Family Foundation with an initial investment of $8 million.

During the foundation’s early stages, Valerie served as executive director, while Katherine managed daily operations.

The foundation established clear objectives: combating poverty through educational support. They actively funded youth services, neighborhood development, and community programs.

Harold Smith, serving as program manager, articulated their strategy. “We focus on addressing systemic causes of poverty,” he explained. “Our mission is to create meaningful structural change.”

Empowering Change: The Foundation’s Bold Moves

Through strategic planning and thoughtful giving, the Smiths transformed their lottery windfall. It evolved beyond personal wealth into a catalyst for community transformation. Their journey exemplifies how sudden fortune, when managed wisely, can positively impact countless lives.

The foundation swiftly deployed their resources. In 2016, they distributed $780,483 to local organizations, including Trenton churches, parent groups, and child development centers.

By 2018, foundation grants approached $1 million. Additionally, family members personally contributed over $16 million to meaningful causes.

They purchased a building near the New Jersey Statehouse for $116,000. Subsequently, they transformed it into a dynamic headquarters, with the basement converted into a youth lounge offering tutoring and music instruction.

Their programs generated remarkable community impact. Notably, in February 2018, they distributed $100,000 among twelve deserving nonprofits. Consequently, Big Brothers Big Sisters received crucial funding for youth mentorship programs. Meanwhile, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen expanded its vital meal services. Additionally, the Latin American Legal Defense Fund strengthened its immigrant support initiatives. Furthermore, the Girl Scouts secured $10,000 to reach 300 underserved young women.

Moreover, the Children’s Home Society effectively utilized their $10,000 grant. Specifically, they established free English classes for Slavic immigrants, aiming to help 60 students graduate that year.

The Smiths’ impact extended beyond financial support. Subsequently, they launched a youth basketball league fostering teamwork. Additionally, they organized vibrant cultural festivals celebrating local talent. Furthermore, they provided essential educational supplies, including backpacks and computers, to children in need.

In a particularly touching initiative, they donated 400 school uniforms. Consequently, every K-5 student at Clara Parker Elementary received new powder-blue and khaki attire.

Additionally, they prepared 250 comprehensive care packages, helping first-generation college students adapt to campus life.

Worldwide Waves: A Legacy That Echoes On

Their generosity transcended national borders. Specifically, in 2016, they invested $16,000 in Haiti’s School of Flowers. Subsequently, the modest one-room school expanded to five classrooms with a cafeteria. Moreover, it now serves 60 students and plans to double enrollment. This self-sustaining project exemplifies their belief in education’s transformative power.

Years later, the Smiths remain exemplary lottery winners. Notably, financial advisor Lynnette Khalfani-Cox commends their approach, stating, “They’re a textbook case of what to do.” Their story demonstrates how to transform wealth into lasting community impact.

Pearlie, now in her late seventies, continues her dedicated pastoral work, exemplifying faith’s enduring influence. As Valerie thoughtfully reflected, “We each have dreams for our community. Now we can fulfill them.”

Through strategic giving and careful planning, the Smiths created sustainable change. Their foundation actively supports education, fights poverty, and strengthens communities. Most importantly, they demonstrate how sudden wealth, managed wisely, can benefit countless lives.

Their story shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating how fortune, guided by compassion, transforms communities. Through the Smith Family Foundation www.sffnj.org, they’ve strategically invested resources for lasting impact. Their thoughtful approach proves that unexpected wealth, when managed purposefully, can uplift multiple generations.

In Trenton’s evolving neighborhoods, Pearlie Mae Smith’s impact continues to resonate powerfully. Her story compellingly illustrates that true wealth extends beyond financial accounts, living on through transformed lives and strengthened communities flourishing through deliberate, compassionate giving.

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