Penny Sue Napp

Penny Sue Fortinberry Napp, age 75, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, in Gainesville,
Florida. She was born on November 30, 1950, in Frankfort, Indiana, to Milton James Fortinberry
and Joy Imogene Cutler Fortinberry, who both preceded her in death.

Penny was the beloved wife of Larry Fredrik Napp; devoted mother of Staccie Anne Swant
Allen (Christopher Allen) and Shannon Leigh Swant Welner (Eric Welner); and proud
grandmother of Todd Allen, Blake Allen, Miles Welner, Camden Allen, Audrey Welner, and
Tristyn Allen. She is also survived by her sister, Connie Fortinberry Bookwalter, her brother,
Ron Fortinberry, his wife, Sheree Fortinberry, along with many extended family members, dear
friends, former colleagues, and countless students whose lives she touched.
A graduate of Indiana University, Penny earned her bachelor’s degree before embarking on a
distinguished career in education. She dedicated more than 25 years to teaching high school
mathematics, most recently at J.P. Taravella High School, where she inspired generations of
students to believe in themselves while instilling discipline, grit and confidence.
Determined, resilient, and passionate, Penny embraced life with enthusiasm. She treasured time
with her family, loved traveling the world, enjoyed tutoring mathematics long after her
retirement, and found great joy in hosting family and friend gatherings that created lifelong
memories for those she loved.

While Penny was an exceptional educator, her greatest accomplishments were found beyond the
classroom. She was a cherished wife, a supportive mother, and a grandmother whose
encouragement, wisdom, and love shaped the lives of her family every day.
Penny taught mathematics for more than twenty-five years, but the greatest lessons she left
behind could never be written on a chalkboard. Through her convictions, strength, and guidance,
she taught her family how to face life’s challenges with courage and perseverance.
Penny was cremated according to her wishes.

Contact the family for information regarding the Celebration of Life honoring Penny.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the J.P.
Taravella High School Mu Alpha Theta program in memory of Penny Napp. Penny devoted her
life to inspiring a love of mathematics and encouraging students to reach their highest potential.
Your gift will honor her legacy by supporting high-achieving mathematics students and
continuing her passion for education. Please contact Staccie at staccie.a.allen@gmail.com for
further information or electronic options as needed.

To her students, she taught numbers. To her family, she taught purpose.
To all who knew her, she proved that the greatest measure of a life is not found in equations, but
in the memories, we leave behind.
Her classroom may now be quiet, but the lessons she taught—and the love she shared—will
continue to inspire others for many years to come