Joyce Houston of Caruthersville put her spelling skills to use when she purchased a $3 “Crossword” Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket on July 28 and won the top prize of $50,000.
“I fainted,” said Houston. “Then I woke up and said, ‘Hand me that ticket back.’”
News of the win traveled quickly around town and set off some furious Scratchers sales at the Casey’s where Houston bought her ticket, 801 Harry Truman Blvd. in Caruthersville.
“I mean, they said they sold just about every book (of tickets),” relayed Houston. “I’ll wait until they play out, and then I’ll get some more.”
Houston, 42, plans to pay off her home with the winnings.
“I owe $22,000. I’m going to pay that off and then get my momma something,” said Houston. “I just love my Crossword. They call me the Crossword Lady in town.”
“Crossword,” which features a top prize of $50,000, began on March 1.
