Judith A. Watkins 1938-2026
NILES — Judith A. “Judy” Watkins, beloved mother and grandmother, 87, entered into eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, while residing with family in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, following an extended illness.
Judy was born Nov. 27, 1938, in Warren, to Dorothy and Charles Hackett. She graduated from Warren Harding High School in 1956.
She was a faithful member of Champion Church of the Nazarene and was previously a member of Bolindale Church of the Nazarene.
Judy was a devoted and loving mother to Ruth (Nick) Papalas, David (Mary) Watkins, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Zullo, Lois Graham and Daniel (Helena) Watkins. She was a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husbands, David Watkins Sr. (1998) and John Lampkin (2022); as well as her siblings, Evelyn Decker, Lucille “Grace” Knapp, Jimmy Hackett and Jack Hackett.
She is survived by her sister, Mildred “Millie” Kennedy; her children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Judy’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She loved singing hymns and country music, preparing and serving large family meals, traveling, singing karaoke, soaking up the sun at the beach, and going to – and hosting – garage sales with her family.
Over the years, Judy worked as a bus driver for Howland Local Schools, an insurance agent, and a transportation coordinator for the Trumbull Community Action Program (TCAP).
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers and to Agape Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, followed immediately by the funeral service at 3 p.m., at Lane Funeral Home Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH 44483.
Memorial contributions may be made to Champion Church of the Nazarene in Judy’s honor.
Judy lived her life in faith and song, and in her final days, she continued to sing hymns of praise, leaving her family with a lasting reminder of her unwavering trust in God. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
“When we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.” — “Amazing Grace,” John Newton
(special notice)