$20 Ticket Turns Into $100,000 Surprise for Statesville Man

STATESVILLE — A $20 scratch-off ticket turned into a six-figure surprise for Statesville resident Felma Norman, who says an early start last Monday morning quickly became unforgettable.

Norman said he scratched the ticket around 4:30 a.m. and did a double take after seeing the result.

“It was better than coffee,” he laughed.

After setting the ticket down and grabbing a drink from the refrigerator, Norman returned to check it again—only to confirm he’d won $100,000.

The winning $2 Million Vault scratch-off ticket was purchased at Sunshine Express on Wilkesboro Highway.

“I never really play that game, but I just chose one,” Norman said.

Norman visited North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters last Friday to claim the prize. After required federal and state tax withholdings, he took home $72,016.

“I love it,” he said as he received his check.

Norman plans to use the winnings to pay some bills.

The $2 Million Vault game debuted in May and features three top prizes of $2 million and six prizes of $100,000. Lottery officials say one $2 million prize and three $100,000 prizes remain unclaimed.