Highway 29 Crash Claims Cantonment Woman’s Life; Two Others Seriously Injured

March 20, 2015

A Highway 29 traffic accident Thursday afternoon just south of International Paper claimed the life of a Cantonment woman.

The victim was identified as 60-year old Penny Nellums. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Nellums was northbound on Highway 29 when she failed to maintain her lane and traveled into the outside lane where she collided with a 2009 GMC Sierra pickup driven by 46-year old Fred Carnley of Molino.  As a result of the collision, Nellums’ 1999 Saturn SL 2 traveled across the center grassy median and directly into the path of two other vehicles.

Her Saturn struck a 2014 Lincoln MKX driven by 57-year old Sharon Holland of Georgia and a 2009 Freightliner box truck driven by 67-year old David Nettles of Pensacola.

Nellums was transported to West Florida Hospital where she passed away at the result of her injuries. Holland and her passenger, 65-year old Kathryn Robinson of Georgia, were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition. Nettles and Carnley were not injured.

Nellums was a substitute teacher in the Escambia County School District.

The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.

Comments

74 Responses to “Highway 29 Crash Claims Cantonment Woman’s Life; Two Others Seriously Injured”

  1. William gullahorn on March 24th, 2015 11:11 am

    I will miss you very much because you always were such a nice person you also always made me smile and I know she probably listening and if I could I would tell you in person but I can’t but I am praying for your family.

  2. Eddie and Brenda on March 24th, 2015 5:27 am

    Robert. You and your family are in our prayers. There are just no words…

  3. Kimberly Jones Kelley on March 24th, 2015 1:50 am

    Melissa and Misty. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet, gentle lady as I remember. I still remember her taking me home when I cut my foot open at your house when you lived in the village when we were all small. I hope you are able to find some peace In knowing she was a very great lady. My prayers are with you.

  4. Kayla on March 23rd, 2015 4:16 pm

    One of my teachers made a very good point today. She said it’s sad how Mrs. Nellums never knew how much we as students truly appreciate her. That is so true but I’m sure she is in heaven now, listening to what we are saying about her. I would hope that’s the case. She truly was a great sub! She really did deserve to know how much she was loved by all the students and faculty, and I’m sure by her family as well.

  5. Lacey on March 23rd, 2015 11:59 am

    She was my favorite teacher/sub. I will miss you very much !!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. kgore on March 23rd, 2015 7:36 am

    Robert and family, my condolences are just a drop in the great lake of sorrow, but just wanted to let you know that I breathe a prayer for you each morning that I pass your house. You knew my late husband, Frank, who passed last year in March, and like you, it is the good memories that linger on and bind us forever.

  7. Kris on March 23rd, 2015 6:14 am

    Prayers for all involved.

  8. Kay Iannone on March 23rd, 2015 12:20 am

    Robert, just found out about this horrible tragedy. I am so sorry and words can not express my feelings for you and your families. Please know that you and the family are in my prayers. Unfortunately, I did not know Penny, but, have heard what a beautiful lady with a wonderful personality. Prayers also go out to all those involved. God bless.

  9. Robert & Carmen Philapy on March 22nd, 2015 11:15 pm

    Penny’s daughter is my neighbor and I was very saddened to hear of this tragic accident. Her daughter was in heartbreaking tears when she stopped at our house to tell of her mothers death. I was so touched by this, because I know Penny was loved dearly by her family and friends. My condolences and prayers are with the family through this sad and sorrowful time.

  10. XD9RACER on March 22nd, 2015 9:28 pm

    In many marriages each may have idiosyncrasies or quirks that annoy the other. We had a fan going to drown out our snoring but sometime she snored too loud waking me so I would shake her or the bed then she would stop. I would like to have PENNY back so I could hear her snore again. Good people go through life instilling good in others and may never know if it did any good until something as this happens. I have read all the nice comments from people here and it showed that she did some good. Some look upon me as a hard uncaring person but from reading the good comments I actually cried. I recognize very few of the names but I want all of you to know it meant a lot to me to know so many really cared about PENNY. We were married 38 years 6 months and 19 days and since so long she had grown on me and she will never be forgotten by me, our children and many others. THANKS

  11. Randall Doggette on March 22nd, 2015 3:34 pm

    Robert, I’m so sorry about your loss. Penny was a such a good person.. Always very nice and always had a smile on her face. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We pray for peace and strength for you at this difficult time.

  12. teresa on March 22nd, 2015 2:16 am

    Prayers for all the families involved. Melissa Johnson, my heart goes out to you losing your mother. May God comfort you and your family, and may the other injured be healed.

  13. craig lee on March 22nd, 2015 12:37 am

    Robert there are no words I can say to confort you and your family at a time like this other than to say we are keeping ya’ll in our prayers. I am here my friend if ya’ll need anything please let us know.

  14. Rosemary on March 21st, 2015 11:38 pm

    Prayers to all the families involved in this Horrible accident.

  15. Vi Mayo on March 21st, 2015 9:59 pm

    So sorry to hear about Penny’s death. I have known her for several years, met her in church, and I loved her dearly. She was such a sweet, christian lady. Always a kind word and she loved her Lord and Savior so much. She will be remembered lovingly. I pray her family can and will find comfort in knowing where she is at now. She’s where we all want to be, with Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!

  16. Kathy on March 21st, 2015 9:03 pm

    So sad for everyone involved in this terrible accident. Penny was an amazing woman of God .She loved her family so much!! We will certainly be keeping you all in prayer.

  17. Melissa Johnson on March 21st, 2015 2:41 pm

    I cant tell you how wonderful it is to see that my mama has made such good memories in so many peoples lives. To know her was to love her. To take the time to TRULY GET to know her was an absolute privilege. She taught me so much, about how to love unconditionally, to persevere through tough times and still keep a smile on my face, and most importantly how to hold on to God through the good and the bad. She always taught us to run to the cross, when we felt we had no one else to run to. Her faith and Heritage is a testimony all in itself. My heart is wounded so deeply because I will no longer have her to hug or to cry with, but that’s OK, because as soon as she closed her eyes here, the day of this horrific crash, she OPENED her eyes in Heaven. One day I will see her again, thanks to the sacrifice she made to keep God the center of our lives. I only hope to be just HALF of the woman that she was.

  18. Sharon Kyzer Holmquist on March 21st, 2015 6:31 am

    Mr. Nellums and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

  19. Kayne Kenfield on March 20th, 2015 10:40 pm

    R.I.P Mrs.Nelllums you will truely be missed you were my favorite sub. Im glad that i was able to get a chance to meet you. Im glad that we shared stories with each other. Every time I walked in the class she always had a smile on her face. Im truely going to miss you Mrs.Nellums. Im praying for all the familys that were involved in the accident. Everybody please wear (PURPLE) on Tueaday March 24 to remember Mrs.Nellums

  20. Anonymous on March 20th, 2015 9:53 pm

    She was my aunt and she will be miss dearly. She was an amazing women.

  21. Nancy Perry on March 20th, 2015 9:04 pm

    Robert ,Melissa and Misty and all Mrs. Nellums grandchildren,
    There are no words to expression the grief of is tragic and devastating Loss. Your wife, mother, and grandmother, Penny Nellums, was a wonderful sub and was loved by many students and faculty at Ernest Ward Middle School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Nellums family. She will be missed greatly!!

  22. Amber Fletcher on March 20th, 2015 9:00 pm

    @Susan Smith
    Thank you for giving us a report on the two other people involved in this horrible tragedy. I pray for their speedy recovery and for the family and friends.

    Robert, my heart goes out to you and your family during this time of sorrow . May you be comforted in knowing that there are so many people who your wife affected in the most wonderful way. Call anytime if you need anything or just to talk. Ken and I are just a phone call away.

  23. Mike Amerson on March 20th, 2015 6:39 pm

    Robert, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Your wife is in a much better place than we are. Take care, Mike

  24. Thomas Boatright on March 20th, 2015 6:35 pm

    Robert I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I last saw you a couple of weeks ago and we talked about your plans of moving and you seemed so excited. I was excited for you. The last part of our conversation was about you and your wife and you was almost bragging about how long you two had been married!! And then I remember you saying that she was the best thing that ever happened to you, and how lucky you were. Again I am so sorry you lost your best friend, your true love.

  25. missing you on March 20th, 2015 5:54 pm

    So sad to hear this. She was an amazing sub and she had a heart after God’s own heart. I’ll miss you Mrs.Penny

  26. Misty Barrett on March 20th, 2015 5:18 pm

    Thank you for all the kind words about my mom. I’m not sure how things will go as the days move forward, but she will forever live in us. These words…are just the beginning of her legacy we shall hold onto forever.

  27. I'll miss you on March 20th, 2015 5:00 pm

    I am a student that had her many times. When my mom told me that she passed I was so sad! She was by far my favorite sub! I wish it was just a injury and you would still be here, still be my sub, still be my favorite sub….well you will always be my favorite sub!!! And to Mr. Robert never give up God has a day for you to be with your beloved wife. <3

  28. Anonymous on March 20th, 2015 4:57 pm

    I saw Mrs. Nellums Wednesday and Thursday because she was subbing at my school. Many times I had her as my sub and sadly the classes that she subbed for were not well behaving classes so I was not able to see just how wonderful she was because she was having to get on to people, but my condolences go out to family and friends and I am truly sorry. Whenever I found out today about it I was immediately in tears. I will always remember Mrs. Nellums no matter what. Praying for healing for friends, family, and those involved.

  29. Kayla on March 20th, 2015 3:51 pm

    Mrs. Nellums was an amazing sub! It is so mind blowing that she was just at Tate yesterday…. Her family, along with the other families, will definitely be in our prayers.

  30. Melissa Griffin on March 20th, 2015 3:42 pm

    Penny was a sweet and loving aunt. She always lit up a room with her smile. It’s very hard to be 500 miles away. Wish I could be there to give uncle Robert a hug and my Cousins. She will be deeply missed.

  31. sarah on March 20th, 2015 3:33 pm

    Penny nellums was my brothers sub and he said she was an amazing teacher and was extremely nice and he almost cried when he found out about the crash our prayers r with all the people in the crash and R.I.P Ms.Penny nellums u will be forever in our hearts

  32. susan smith on March 20th, 2015 3:26 pm

    The ladies that were hit in the crash are two of my very best friends. They are both in a lot of pain and have broken bones and internal injuries. Even though they were not killed in this accident it doesn’t lesson the trauma they have suffered and will continue to suffer. One of them has just had a recent surgery that resulted in life threatening blood clots. For her I am doubly worried and also for my other friend. So please remember these two wonderful Christian ladies that are injured as you express your sadness over the one who is now deceased.

  33. Abreona on March 20th, 2015 2:51 pm

    Mrs.Nellums was just here at THS yesterday, this is all unrealistic. She was such a sweet and pleasant woman! I have her family in my prayers, and she will ALWAYS be remembered. I learned a lot from her and I’m thankful for every moment we got to spend with her at school!

  34. Billy Howard on March 20th, 2015 1:24 pm

    Prayers for you and your Family Mr. Robert…

  35. Vanessa on March 20th, 2015 1:23 pm

    Penny I love you and will miss you so much.

  36. Paige Roberts on March 20th, 2015 12:27 pm

    Ms Nellums, will be greatly missed she was a really great sub and an amazing person …. I hope her family and freinds will be ok…. You will always be in my prayers and I hope many more

  37. Roll Tide on March 20th, 2015 12:21 pm

    I did not know Penny Nellums or any others involved in this terrible accident. I wish I had known her because she sounds like an amazing individual. My prayers are with her family and the others that were injured. I pray that they have a swift recovery. As for the Nellums family, hold tight to your faith and I will be praying for comfort and healing for all your family and friends.

  38. sylvia on March 20th, 2015 11:17 am

    I knew Mrs. Kelly’s as a fellow sub. She was a nice person and a good sub. Praying for her family and all involved in the accident.

  39. topper (arch cornett) on March 20th, 2015 10:45 am

    I am her brother I love her so much I thank god that she knew the lord. that was her harts desire to teach from a little girl she achieved that and she taught me a lot but most of all she love her kids an grandkids . god said he will be with you in the mist of the storm an then after. she will be greatly missed from all who know her .
    love you penny . love topper (arch cornett)

  40. Faye Cornett on March 20th, 2015 10:42 am

    Robert ,Melissa and Misty and all your beautiful grandchildren,
    There is truly no words to expression the grief of is tragic and devastating Loss. Penny will forever be Loved and Remember in our Hearts and Lives. We can only take one moment at a time and Hold on too and Treasure the Love we each shared with Penny and be there for one another as much as possible in this Strom of Life.
    I know Penny and She would reminds us :That God is our refuse and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. WE also know the word teaches us that to be absent from this body is to be at home or present with the LORD. 2 Cor 5;8.
    Penny opened his eyes and is in the very presence OF OUR LORD. This is our only comfort. MAY GOD be with You ROBERT In this time of YOUR great LOSS AND WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY.WE LOVE YOU.

  41. Lois Granat on March 20th, 2015 10:40 am

    From Lois Granat; This is my cousin. It’s only been 2 months since my Aunt Alfreda (Roberts’ Mom) passed.
    Penny was a wonderful person & loved God, you could see it all around her.
    Robert, I am so very sorry this has happened. You have my love & if you need anything, I’ll be here for you. I pray that God will ease your pain swiftly. In the meantime, your family & friends will try to comfort you as best we know how during the years to come. I love you & I’m praying for you and for all who knew & loved her. RIP Cousin Penny, I love you!

  42. Maria Zapata on March 20th, 2015 10:20 am

    I did not know Mrs. Nellums very well but she was an outstanding woman and she was a great substitute. I had her as my substitute many times and she was the sweetest and nicest person I have ever met. She is with god now and she is in a better place. God had a plan for her. We will love and miss you Mrs. Nellums! From the kids at WFHS!

  43. Penny on March 20th, 2015 9:50 am

    I am so sorry Robert my prayers are with you and family

  44. Margaret on March 20th, 2015 9:11 am

    Penny was my aunt she was a sweet lady and fun to be around always smiling.
    She had a heart of gold. Two months ago we lost my Grandma too.
    My Uncle lost his Sister, Mom, now Wife in less than a year Please PRAY for him.
    Our Family is hurting so bad June will not be the same with out them. God Bless everyone. Keep your Family close for give and for get JUST LOVE THEM.

  45. Eric Smith/principal WFHS on March 20th, 2015 8:55 am

    Penny Nellums was loved by many students and faculty at WFHS. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Nellums family. She will be missed.

  46. Charlotte on March 20th, 2015 8:33 am

    Penny was my aunt, every june we would stay at her house to attend our family reunion, she was the best hostess, she always made us feel so welcome, going to miss her beautiful smile, r i p aunt penny

  47. Heatherann Bozeman on March 20th, 2015 8:29 am

    Penny Nellums was a warm, dependable, beautiful woman. She subbed at my school and for me. She was beloved by everyone that met her. Our students loved her. She will truly be missed. Our prayers go out to her family.

  48. Cedric on March 20th, 2015 8:28 am

    Just had her Friday just truly sad to hear about . Pray for her family.

  49. Miriam Sawyer on March 20th, 2015 8:26 am

    Prayers to all the families! Very sad tragedy.

  50. Molino resident on March 20th, 2015 8:21 am

    So very sorry for your loss Mr. Nellums.

  51. Teri Loranzan on March 20th, 2015 8:15 am

    I’m so sorry for your lost , she was the most lovable
    Lady she will be missed

  52. CenturyMom on March 20th, 2015 8:11 am

    I lost my husband in a car accident 10 years ago so i feel her husbands pain :( I did not know her but the loss of a life is so sad. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends

  53. Hanah Foster on March 20th, 2015 7:56 am

    I’m so sorry to hear. :’( she was a great teacher she helped me a lot when I needed. Breaks my heart how some kids were so rude and disregarded her not taking in how awesome of a person she truly was. I’m defiantly praying for the Family. She was a blessing in my life. Going through something like this is hard. I was lucky to walk out of mine. Sad how things can happen so soon and u will never know till its there and late. Wish I could tell her how thankful I am to of had her for a sub teacher. She’s in Gods arms now. Praying.

  54. Cade on March 20th, 2015 7:45 am

    Mrs. Nellums was an extremely nice lady who will be greatly missed. I just had her as a sub for my math class last week and she was telling us good stories and we were all laughing together. Prayers go out to her family.

  55. Donna Lewis on March 20th, 2015 6:37 am

    Praying

  56. XD9RACER on March 20th, 2015 4:51 am

    My mother died just two months ago and gave me her house in Baldwin county Al. where I was starting to make it more suitable for Penny and I to set up residence before the ending of this year. She was with me there Wednesday night discussing the changes to be made and was really enthusiastic about it and I was waiting for her to come home from work so we could go back and line out more. Three of our grand children were here waiting for her for whatever with me thinking she was later than normal where I was thinking she stopped of to get groceries but I never tried to call her when they left I got busy until a State trooper knocked on my door telling me of the tragedy. She always drove within the speed limit and was always aware of her surroundings but there must have been a lapse and she paid for it dearly. We were married August 31, 1976–38 years 6 months and 20 days being mostly together. She was a good helpmate for me and others and will be missed by many that knew her through church and her teaching in school. When we would be out there would be kids coming up to her and talk to her. She told me about many of the kids–good and bad. I want to thank all that wrote in here about her. I will try to keep her memory alive as I continue through life trying to make it without her. This has made a big change of plans for me but with family and friends I will hold strong until my time to go to meet her. THANKS ROBERT NELLUMS.

  57. 429SCJ on March 20th, 2015 4:19 am

    OMG, I just found out, how horrible. Prayers for the Nellums family.

  58. Danielle on March 20th, 2015 12:30 am

    Mrs. Nellums was definitely a favorite at West Tech. She was a wonderful conversationalist. I will never understand why bad thinks happen to good people. She will truly be missed. Prayer and condolences to the family.

  59. Travis on March 20th, 2015 12:29 am

    Robert has been like family to me I known him for 16-18 yrs. And has been a great friend more like family. I am lost for words on what to tell him as I have spoke to him a couple times to check on him. He has family around him now. He is the Husband to Penny Nellums. We hate to see or hear of this. But when it happens to a friend of loved one it really hits close to home.
    Make sure your loved ones know what they mean to you cause this just goes to show the unexspected can happen to any of us.

  60. Pacegirl on March 19th, 2015 11:57 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with all involved, especially Robert and family….such a tragedy….

  61. Nora Dease on March 19th, 2015 11:42 pm

    Robert Nellums you and your family are in my thoughts. Im so sorry about the loss of your wife.

  62. Colt on March 19th, 2015 11:32 pm

    this was my aunt penny she was a wonderful person and I love her keep me and the family in everyone’s prayer

  63. LadyRebel on March 19th, 2015 11:32 pm

    Is this Robert Nellums wife? My prayers go out to all involved.

  64. Student on March 19th, 2015 11:20 pm

    She was my sub for so long. Most kids disregarded her, but if you’d listen to her she really had such good stories to tell and great advice. She was a true blessing and guided me through some things. I didn’t believe this when I heard it at first. RIP to a truly wonderful lady.

  65. jacob on March 19th, 2015 10:54 pm

    the one dead was my aunt and think you all for your prays

  66. Kristin on March 19th, 2015 10:32 pm

    Is she a substitute teacher? If this is the lady I think it is, we lost a great woman.

  67. Teresa Keener on March 19th, 2015 10:31 pm

    My prayers go out to you all. I know Mrs. Penny will be greatly missed.

  68. Anonymous on March 19th, 2015 7:40 pm

    Please, please remember family

  69. EMD on March 19th, 2015 6:27 pm

    :’( So sorry.

  70. ... on March 19th, 2015 6:18 pm

    May God be with all involved. Just passed through the area. Praying.

  71. someguy on March 19th, 2015 5:54 pm

    I work closely with this man on the delivery truck but for a different company! Hate it happen to such a good guy!

  72. amanda on March 19th, 2015 5:35 pm

    How sad!! Praying for everyone involved!

  73. Sandra Nettles on March 19th, 2015 5:29 pm

    I am very grateful that my husband wasn’t hurt. This is his milk truck shown here. My prayers to the injured and the deceased family.

  74. worried on March 19th, 2015 5:26 pm

    I saw lifeflight in area & watched him/her start to land, sorry to families. Thanks “William” for not giving names or showing pics. of how bad really was. Some things just don’t need to be shared instantly!!!!!!
    My prayers with all!!!!