Jessy Kent-Parsons

Jessy Kent-Parsons (née Usher; 1882 – 26 February 1966) was a mother and child welfare campaigner, who established a School for Mothers in Tottenham in 1912, and organised one of the first antenatal clinics in England in 1917. She was an early member of the Health Visitors' Association, with which she was actively involved, and twice acted as chairperson. She then joined the voluntary committee of the first creche to be opened in Tottenham, which became an influential example for the founding of the Maternity and Child Welfare Department of the BC. Of this, she acted as superintendent for three decades, from 1915 to 1945.

Kent-Parsons retired in 1945, after 34 years with Tottenham Borough Council. and was commended for her 'valuable services' and 'unrelenting and determined spirit', particularly in her work throughout World War II. She spent her retirement in Torquay, Devon, living with her friend, Miss Blanchard.

Jessy Kent-Parsons died in a Torquay nursing home on 26 February 1966, remembered for her 'zeal... abundant vitality and great sense of humour'.