Obituary of Jeanette T. Parsons

Jeanette Thomas Parsons was born on March 31, 1921, in Rock Hill, South Carolina to Samuel and Tillie Thomas. Jeanette graduated from Emmet Scott High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She later attended Good Samaritan Waverly Hospital School of Nursing, in Columbia, South Carolina. Upon graduation, she became one of the first Black Registered Nurses (RN) in the Rock Hill area. She attended a class to care for patients with Poliomyelitis and was lauded for her work in the field by the President of The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. 

In the 1940's she settled in California and worked as an RN for the Sacramento County Hospital, which is now the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. During this time she also volunteered for Red Cross and the Civil Defense. 

Jeanette joined the United States Air Force in 1948, with the rank of First Lieutenant and was stationed at Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento. She was also stationed for two years in Sculthorpe, England, where she served as Hospital Chief Nurse and Flight Nurse. She had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe, Sweden, France, and Germany. Prior to Jeanette's return to the United States, she was promoted Captain. With over 14 years of service, Jeanette was honorably discharged from the United States. Air Force in 1962 in Bellville, Illinois. During her Air Force tenure Jeanette received several medals and citation awards. 

In 1962, Jeanette met and married the love of her life, Douglas D. Parsons. The couple enjoyed traveling, participating in church and Shriners activities. 

In 1962, Jeanette met and married the love of her life, Douglas D. Parsons. The couple enjoyed traveling, participating in church and Shriners activities. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, she became a lifetime member of the Society of Air Force Nurses. Jeanette was an esteemed philanthropist who worked tirelessly for many years, donating her time and efforts to low- income schools. She established the Jeanette T. Parsons Nursing Scholarship Fund at Sacramento City College and supported various organizations and scholarships. Jeanette was a Charter Member of the Daughters of Isis, Alcazar Court #161, a Women's Auxiliary of Shriners and was a member of St. Andrews African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years. 

Jeanette T. Parsons passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the age of 102. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Douglas D, Parsons, sisters, Lizzie Mae Collins, Rowena Brown, Evelyn Bennett, Addie Bratton, and brothers, Caldwell Thomas, Samuel Thomas, Robert Thomas, Columbus Thomas, and William Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory; a host family and dear friends.