Without notice the Prize Patrol converged on 1004 Phil Harper Drive and awarded Mrs. Crawford a $25,000 prize.

David Sayer, executive director of the Prize Patrol, cameraman Jeff Byrd, Lacy Beverly of the Expressions Florist and Gift Shop and local media converged on Mrs. Crawford. "My children are going to die" she said at the sight of the dozen roses and the huge replica of the prize check. However, one daughter is in Atlanta and one daughter is in Greenwood, Mississippi.

It was hard for her to stop saying "this is wonderful" as she invited the unexpected guests into her home. "You’re very hospitable," Sayer told Crawford. "Most of our winners just sort of lose it."

She yelled to neighbors in delight as they rode by to ask what was going on. "This is unreal," she said.

A former teacher at Demopolis Academy, Crawford has lived in Demopolis for six years. Previously she had lived in Gallion since graduating from college, she said. Her husband died six years ago.

She has been entering the Publishers Clearing House contest since 1988. "I’m not real lucky," she said.

The Clearinghouse office is in the New York area, Port Washington, Long Island. Sayers said the Prize Patrol team had awarded another $25,000 to a woman in Virginia Wednesday.

Beverly said Expressions was contacted Tuesday about providing roses for the Thursday visit. Crawford said she had taught Beverly in school.

When asked what she would use the money for, Crawford said she and her children had already planned a trip to Gulf Shores. "That’s one thing I know (the money will be used for)," she said.