> At a Glance
> – Janet Murray of Fayetteville won $534,619 in the Dec. 9 Cash 5 drawing
> – She bought the $1 ticket two days before her birthday
> – After taxes, she took home $384,979
> – Why it matters: A modest $1 investment turned into a life-changing windfall for a retiree who plans to support her family
Janet Murray’s early birthday gift came in the form of a winning North Carolina Cash 5 ticket. The Fayetteville grandmother kept the news secret until Christmas, then claimed her prize on January 5.
The Winning Moment
Murray matched all five numbers in the December 9 drawing, beating odds of 1 in 962,598. She told lottery officials she realized she had won two days before her birthday.
> “I won it two days before my birthday,” Janet Murray said.
She stayed quiet for weeks, finally sharing the surprise on Christmas morning.
> “They were all excited,” she recalled.
What Happens Next
North Carolina Education Lottery officials confirmed the prize was claimed at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Mandatory federal and state withholdings reduced the advertised jackpot to $384,979.
Murray outlined clear plans for the money:
- Give portions to her children
- Start an education fund for her great-grandchildren
Key Takeaways
- A $1 Cash 5 ticket purchased in Fayetteville delivered a $534,619 win
- Murray waited until Christmas to tell family, heightening the holiday surprise
- After taxes, she netted nearly $385,000 to support multiple generations
- The win occurred just before her birthday, making it an unforgettable celebration
Murray’s story adds another chapter to North Carolina’s growing list of lottery success stories, proving a single dollar can still stretch a long way.
