Maxine Ayers Bell

Maxine A. Bell was born September 11, 1937 in Gallion, Alabama to parents, Mary and Newton Ayers. She attended and graduated from Marengo County Public Schools. At a very young age, she received Christ and joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gallion, Alabama. After graduating high school, Maxine married the love of her life, Willie Bell, Sr. who officially gave her the nickname, “Monkey”, while they resided in Meridan, Mississippi. To their union, eight children were born. After their marriage, due to her husband Willie’s employment, the family resided in different states until 1969, then the family settled in Apopka, Florida. At that time Maxine decided to further her education, and she attended Mid-Florida Tech in Orlando, Florida where she earned her certification in hospitality. With her certification, she obtained employment in the housekeeping department at the Court of Flags Resort in Orlando, Florida as an executive. Maxine was a dedicated and hard worker. After leaving the Court of Flags, she secured employment at Roper Growers Cooperative in Winter Garden, Florida, as a crew leader specializing in operating the “GOAT”. She also worked at First Street Group Home, the Apopka Planter Newspaper, and Sunland Hospital. Maxine would later travel the country with Mike Enoch Special Event Food and Catering. She was also known as the community babysitter, just to mention a few jobs in her lifetime. In her younger days, she was very athletic. She played baseball, softball, and she loved to bowl. She also enjoyed watching her favorite football team, the “Miami Dolphins” with her boys. Maxine became a member of the Roland E. Baker Chapter 217 Order of the Eastern Star of Orlando, Florida. She later joined The House of God in Apopka, Florida, under the leadership of the late Presiding Elder Tripholia T. Brinson. She was a faithful and longtime dedicated member. Every time Maxine attended church, you would see her on “pew two”. On December 25, 2023, Maxine celebrated her last Christmas on this side with all eight of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, surrounding her with joy and laughter. On January 7, 2024, Maxine was surrounded with children, grandchildren, great grand-children, and great-great grandchildren as she transitioned from this life on earth to the other side of glory to reunite with her beloved Willie. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Willie Bell, Sr.; Father, Newton Ayers, Sr.; Mother, Mary Ayers; Brothers: Frank Ayers, Newton Ayers, Jr., Murray Lee Ayers, Foddie Ayers, and Charles Ayers; Son-in-law, Broderick Watters; Grandson, Willie Bell, III; Great-grands: Khalila McCloud, Camari Dennison, and Gerald Neal; and Bonus Son, John Henry Smith, Sr. Left to cherish her memory…her loving Children: Dora Norman (Rayshawn), Willie Bell, Jr., (Sandra), Leroy Bell, Sr. (Carlette), and Monica Bell, all of Apopka, Florida; Margaret Bell-Waters of Chilburg, Alabama, Newton Bell, Sr. (Reba) of Apopka, Florida, Mary Coley (David) of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Albert Bell of Apopka, Florida; Brother, Albert Ayers; Bonus Son, James Edward Raby, Sr. (Yvonne) of Apopka, Florida; Bonus Daughter, Shenita Williams (Kevin) of Apopka, Florida; 36 Grandchildren, 77 Great Grandchildren, 28 Great-Great Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Maxine Ayers Bell

September 11, 1937 - January 7, 2024