Hobart grandmother and Instagram influencer Judy Watkins leaves legacy of ‘strength, humour’ for family

Close family and fans are fondly remembering the cheeky, kind Hobart grandmother who found Instagram fame as ‘Gangsta Grandma’ after she died age 86. READ THE TRIBUTES >>

JUDY Watkins was an amazing conversationalist who could connect with all generations and share laughter and wisdom, her daughters have said.

Jane Barker and Gill Richardson emotionally reflected on their late mother’s life as a nurse, and later as Instagram sensation @gangstagrandma35 following her recent passing aged 86.

“We’re all rallying together spending every night reminiscing, watching old movies,” Ms Barker said.

“Dad filmed so much of their travels together, we’ve been watching and drinking mum’s favourite Sav Blanc Giesen to celebrate her life.”

As well as husband Rod Watkins, four children Rod Watkins Jr, Dr Bill Watkins, Jane Barker and Gill Richardson, 12 grandkids and faithful pet dog Jack, Judy Watkins has left behind 41.4k social media followers after her battle with a chronic lung condition ended on Monday.

L-R – Australian YouTuber Lannan Eacott known as LazarBeam, recently passed Instagram star Judy Watkins known as Gangsta Grandma, and her grandson and video gamer Elliott Watkins known as Muselk. Picture: supplied

Gill Richardson said her mother had an uncanny gift of relating to people of all ages and backgrounds.

“She had young kids from the other side of the world who talked to her online,” Ms Richardson said.

“She was cheeky to the very end and would always connect so beautifully with her grandchildren online.”

All 12 grandkids flew from various corners of Australia to Tasmania when Judy’s condition took a turn for the worse five weeks ago.

“It was a testament to how they felt about her and how she instilled the values of always putting family first,” Ms Barker said.

Ms Richardson said Judy’s banter-filled relationships even spread to rappers in New York, with the daughters thanking those who followed the Instagram account.

Tasmanian influencer Judy Watkins has died. Picture: supplied

“The fans did bring a lot of comfort and joy and they helped fill her days,” Ms Richardson said.

“She inspired them and they inspired her.

“Social media gets a bad wrap but she never had a bad word said to her online, thousands of young people around the world were so nice to her and she would reply to every single one.”

Ms Richardson said it was strange but uplifting to see Judy’s phone pinging with tribute messages from fans the world over.

Ms Barker said her mum would have been proud to know even posthumously her tally of Instagram followers was on the rise.

She said a private funeral would be held on Friday, with the florist using only the flowers from Judy’s prized garden for the event.

“We will always remember her strength, her determination, her unconditional love,” Ms Barker said.

“I feel privileged to have been her daughter. We’re very, very lucky. She will not be forgotten.”

INITIAL:

May 4, 2021 9.39am

ONE of Tasmania’s most followed Instagram influencers has died.

Hobart grandmother Judy Watkins, 86, who went by the name of gangstagrandma35, posted adorable updates about her life including catching up with the grandkids or antics in the garden.

She has 41,200 followers and recently featured in the Mercury’s biggest influencers.

One of her last posts three weeks ago was from hospital.

Her grandson Elliot Watkins, who himself has more than one million followers under the name of mrmuselk, announced Ms Watkins death on the social media platform on Monday.

“Very sad to say my amazing Grandma (@gangstagrandma35) passed away peacefully today,” he wrote.

“She was such an amazing person to have in my life, and I am so grateful to have had the time I did with her.”