Lorie Sykes of Goldsboro stopped by the Speedway on U.S. 70 in Goldsboro on Saturday and changed her life.
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"I was on my way to Virginia," Sykes explained. "I actually just stopped to get a Coke-flavored slushy, but decided to get some lottery tickets as well."
The 20X The Cash scratch-off ticket, which she bought for $5, paid off - but not right away.
Sykes waited until she got back from her trip to even play the scratch ticket.
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"After I pulled into the driveway, I popped on the light in my car and started scratching," Sykes said. "I looked at the ticket and thought, 'That can't be right.' It's so surprising! I just can't believe it."
Sykes claimed her prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, she took home $176,254.
"This is life-changing," said Sykes, a special needs care worker. "I want to build a four-bedroom house with room for my family to come visit."