Iredell Co. woman wins $1 million from scratch-off ticket

HARMONY, N.C. (WBTV) - A celebration broke out in an Iredell County convenience store on Thursday after Jo Anne Brown of Harmony won a $1 million prize on a scratch-off ticket.

“I think everybody in the surrounding area knew we won,” Brown laughed. “We were hootin’ and hollerin’ for sure.”

Brown bought her lucky $10 Jumbo Bucks ticket from Fast Phil’s on Harmony Highway in Harmony. She scratched the ticket right there in the store.

“We just kept screaming, ‘We are millionaires,’” Brown recalled. “It was like a dream.”

Brown’s husband Kerry, also in the store, joined in the celebration.

“Some things are just meant to be,” he said. “We all did a lot of happy crying.”

Brown could choose to receive her prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the lump-sum amount of $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $427,503. She said they would use the winnings to help with her retirement.

“This money will help make that happen,” Brown said. “It’s a life-changing event for us. That’s for sure.”

Brown said they would also use the money to help out their family and perhaps put a pond on their property so their grandkids could go fishing.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the lottery highlights Play Smart to help ensure when North Carolinians play the lottery it doesn’t become more than a game. Visit nclottery.com/PlaySmart for more information.

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