Hendersonville woman was “screaming” after $1 million win

Melissa Johnson of Hendersonville was about to throw out her $10 LOTERIA™ MULTIPLIER scratch-off, when she scanned it and realized she was holding a $1 million ticket.

“My heart was beating so fast,” Johnson said. “I started screaming.”

Johnson bought her lucky LOTERIA™ MULTIPLIER ticket from Rock Convenience on Chimney Rock Road in Hendersonville.

“I worked so hard in my life,” Johnson said. “I never thought this would happen.”

When Johnson arrived at lottery headquarters Tuesday, she had a decision to make. She could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the lump sum of $600,000. After required tax withholdings, she took home $432,063.

Johnson plans on using her winnings to help her family.

The LOTERIA™ MULTIPLIER game debuted in March with four top prizes of $1 million. Two $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.