Alberta Mae “Toni” Bell-Rescoe, a beloved educator and community leader whose influence reached generations of families across South Lake County, died Saturday morning, May 16, at the age of 86.

Toni had been admitted to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital about two weeks ago, before undergoing a procedure and surgery to remove her gall bladder. According to those closest to her, she was well cared for by staff and surrounded by friends and family, in person and via phone calls, during her time at the hospital and in her final hours.

For decades, Toni was more than a teacher in Clermont, she was someone generations of students and families knew by name. Former students, civic leaders and fellow educators often spoke of her as someone who made people feel seen and capable of more than they believed possible.

Known to most as “Toni,” she was born on November 5, 1939 in Boston, MA and raised by parents John and Elizabeth Baker. After highs school, Toni attended Montclair State College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1962 before marrying Richard Bell a couple of years later. The couple moved to Clermont in 1966 from New Jersey, bringing their son David and relocating Bell Ceramics (Richard’s family business) to Clermont along Lake Minneola. While Bell Ceramics became part of Clermont history, Toni quickly built a legacy of her own inside local classrooms.

She began teaching at Minneola Elementary before moving to Clermont High School, where she taught language arts/senior English, served as coordinator for the Highlander Yearbook staff and drama club and led the National Honor Society. Students eventually gave her the nickname “Ma Bell,” a reflection of the maternal role she naturally filled for thousands of young people over her 30-plus years in education.

Later, she served as a guidance counselor at South Lake High School, continuing to mentor students long after they left her classroom. Many credited her with helping shape their confidence and futures.

Her impact reached far beyond academics.

Former students remembered Shakespeare performances with homemade props, late nights building homecoming floats at Bell Ceramics and a teacher whose humor and compassion made school feel like family. Doris Bloodsworth, a local author and friend who first met Toni while working on a Clermont history book, says Toni “had a quiet wisdom that made you want to lean in when she talked and made her a true confidant to her many friends.” 

Even in retirement, Toni remained a constant presence in Clermont civic life. She served as a member of the Beta Theta ESA Sorority, the Cooper Memorial Library Association, Kiwanis (noon) Club of Clermont and the Clermont Historical Society, also volunteering at the Clermont Historic Village. Earlier this year, Kiwanis recognized her as its February Member of the Month, praising her dedication to youth programs and community service.

Friends describe Toni as thoughtful, compassionate, spunky, funny, endlessly giving and a blessing. 

“Toni wasn’t loud, and yet you felt her presence the moment she walked into a room,” Doris says. “She had a slightly amused, Mona Lisa kind of smile.”

Through personal hardships and loss, those closest to her say she never stopped showing up for others. Lisa Graham, one of Toni’s best friends, says she feels so grateful for having known her.

“Toni was such an inspiration, an encourager, a mentor, gifted with humor, kindness and wisdom, who never sought the spotlight for herself, but quietly led the way in helpings others achieve their goals and dreams,” Lisa says. “She was one of my dearest and best friends, a light in my life, a wonderful blessing and I will always treasure my beautiful memories of her.”

Toni was preceded in death by her husband Richard Bell, her son David Bell and later by her husband Larry Rescoe, whom she married in 2019.

News of her passing spread quickly throughout Clermont on Saturday, bringing an outpouring of comments and memories from former students, colleagues and community leaders who described her as one of the area’s most beloved figures.

“She was one of the people who serve as glue to hold a diverse community together,” Doris says.

Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, one of Toni’s former students, says: “Ms Bell (ma Bell), you may be gone from our sight, but not our hearts. Thank you for the lessons, encouragement and the legacy you leave behind. Your footprints will be on our hearts forever.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but Becker Funeral Home is handling specifics. Memories can be shared on their website at https://www.beckerfamilyfuneral.com/obituaries/alberta-bell.

Photos provided.