Clara Thompson of Whiteville won the final $400,000 top prize in the Pay Me scratch-off game.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Thompson. “I’m excited.”
Thompson purchased her lucky $5 ticket from the Murphy USA on Columbus Corners Drive in Whiteville.
She claimed her prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After state and federal taxes, she took home $283,001.
Since Thompson won the last of four top prizes in the Pay Me game, the lottery will begin steps to end the game.
Ticket sales from scratch-off games make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $700 million a year for education. For details on how $18.3 million in lottery funds made a difference in Columbus County last year, visit the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.