Early in her career, Toni taught school at the elementary level. However, she spent most of her time teaching Senior English at Clermont High School. In addition, Toni was the Coordinator for the Highlander Yearbook staff and Drama Club. She enjoyed teaching her students art appreciation and drama as part of her class curriculum. Toni cared deeply about the children she taught and was an inspiration to all who knew her. In fact, she was so well loved by the students in her care that she became known as “Ma Bell”. Her final years in education were spent as a Guidance Counselor at Clermont High School and eventually at South Lake High School when it opened.
Several years after Richard passed away, Toni fell in love again. She married Lawrence “Larry” Rescoe on May 19, 2019, at the First United Methodist in Clermont, FL. With Larry’s guidance and encouragement, Toni accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 2021.
Toni Bell led a service-oriented life as evidenced by her membership and contributions to the following organizations: Beta Theta Sorority, Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of South Lake, Cooper Memorial Library Board of Directors, Historic Village, Kiwanis Club (Noon) of Clermont, Neighborhood Center of South Lake, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and many more.
Besides her parents, Toni was predeceased by her first husband, Richard Bell; son, David Bell; and her second husband, Larry Rescoe. Toni is survived by a step-daughter, Sharon Woodard (Greg); nephews: Mark Hettinger (Tammie) and Andrew Hettinger (Nikki); sisters-in-law: Valerie Bell and Winnie Carter; grandsons: Seth Woodard and Tanner Woodard; grand-nieces, Jackie Carter and Bethanne Bell; and grand-nephews: Connor Hettinger and Chris Bell.
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be on a date to be determined and held at the Living Hope Church, 950 7th Street, Clermont, FL.
In lieu of flowers, Toni requested that donations be made to the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or the Community Foundation of South Lake.
