Cafeteria worker ‘immediately fell to my knees’ when she saw her huge NC lottery win
Melba Avery has always dreamed of owning an Infiniti or Escalade. Now, she might have the chance.
The cafeteria supervisor with the U.S. Forest Service recently won a $2 million top prize with a $20 Premier Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, according to a Feb. 6 news release from North Carolina lottery officials.
“When I saw how much I won, I immediately fell to my knees,” Avery told officials. “The lady at the register told me I had to claim at an office.”
Avery bought her winning ticket at the One Stop 3 on Hendersonville Highway in Pisgah Forest, where she lives, according to officials. She claimed her prize on Friday, Feb. 3 as a lump sum, taking home $855,006 after taxes.
She told officials she has big plans for her winnings.
“I can get the car of my dreams,” Avery said. “And I can take care of my family.”
Avery also said she wants to help her church and eventually start her own landscaping or courier business.
Pisgah Forest is about 120 miles west of Charlotte.
This story was originally published February 6, 2023 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Cafeteria worker ‘immediately fell to my knees’ when she saw her huge NC lottery win."
