The City of Clermont will recognize and honor the life and legacy of Alberta Mae “Toni” Bell-Rescoe, an educator, mentor, businesswoman, and community leader whose influence helped shape generations of students and strengthened the fabric of the South Lake community. The proclimation will be read on Tuesday, August 25 at Clermont City Hall (685 W Montrose St.) during the City Council meeting at 3 pm.
Through a formal proclamation, city leaders will celebrate Toni’s remarkable contributions to education, civic service, and community development, while expressing heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, former students, and all those mourning her passing.
Toni devoted more than three decades to educating and inspiring young people throughout South Lake County. Her teaching career began at Minneola Elementary School before she joined Clermont High School, where she served as a language arts and senior English teacher. During her tenure, she also coordinated the school’s yearbook and drama club and led the National Honor Society. Affectionately known by students as “Ma Bell,” she became a trusted mentor whose guidance and encouragement left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Later in her career, Toni served as a guidance counselor at South Lake High School, where she continued her mission of helping students build confidence, pursue their goals, and realize their potential. Her dedication to young people extended far beyond academics, earning her a reputation as a compassionate advocate and trusted friend.
In addition to her accomplishments in education, Toni was part of the Bell family legacy. Her late husband Richard Bell, and his brother and sister Peter Bell, and Nancy Bell Hettinger brought Bell Ceramics, Inc. to Clermont. The family-owned business grew into an internationally recognized leader in ceramic and porcelain products, contributing significantly to the city’s economic growth and helping establish Clermont’s reputation on a global scale.
Friends, colleagues, and former students remember Bell-Rescoe for her warmth, humor, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless individuals who benefited from her kindness and guidance.
Even after retirement, Toni has remained deeply involved in the community she loved. She dedicated her time and talents to numerous organizations, including Beta Theta ESA Sorority, the Cooper Memorial Library Association, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, the Clermont Historical Society, and the Clermont Historic Village, where she volunteered in support of preserving local history and enriching community life.
Toni passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 86. She leaves behind a legacy defined by education, service, compassion, and leadership. The City of Clermont’s proclamation recognizes that her contributions will continue to be felt for generations through the students she inspired, the organizations she strengthened, and the community she helped build.
As Clermont reflects on her extraordinary life, city officials noted that Toni Bell-Rescoe’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the profound difference one person can make through a lifetime of dedication, generosity, and service to others.
All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Alberta “Toni” Bell-Rescoe on Saturday, Augst 29 at the Living Hope Church, 950 7th Street, Clermont, at 1 pm.
