Nationwide — An African American family from Orange County, California, is speaking out about the untimely death of Deloris Owens, a 92-year-old woman who they say died after being administered antibiotics.
In March 2025, her youngest son, Robert Flournoy, was preparing to celebrate two milestones: his retirement after 30 years at Irvine Valley College and receiving the Classified Staff Award of Excellence for his work fighting hunger on campus. But those plans were upended by five words that changed his life forever: “You know mom is sick.” His mother, Dolores, who had lived an active and vibrant life, began a sudden decline caused by antibiotics that ultimately led to her death.
Dolores was known as a strong and energetic woman. Even in her 90s, she cooked for her family several times a week, grocery shopped, did laundry, swept her backyard, and prepared holiday meals. She enjoyed Christian music, movies, and classic artists such as Donna Summer and The Whispers. Family members recall that she was not a frail woman with constant medical issues, but rather healthy and independent—until a prescribed antibiotic triggered C. diff, a bacterial infection that would take her life.
Her family described the painful weeks that followed. Dolores endured hospitalizations, nausea, transfusions, and repeated attempts to find veins for blood work that left her bruised. Because of C. diff, her loved ones were required to wear gowns and gloves, leaving her isolated without human touch. Despite her suffering, she kept her sense of humor and even smiled when hearing of a baby being born. Her husband of 45 years, Robert, remained at her side day and night, refusing to leave her even when urged to rest.
Her sons, David and Dewey, recalled how quickly her life changed. Just weeks earlier, she was cooking Sunday dinners, doing laundry, and planning for routine eye surgery. Both sons believe the antibiotic prescribed for a minor dental procedure marked the beginning of her decline. Dewey noted that even on her deathbed, Dolores thought of others—asking her husband to buy pizza for visiting family so they would not go hungry.
Her granddaughter, Aisha Ruiz, remembered Dolores as the ideal grandmother: prayerful, welcoming, and selfless. She said Dolores never let anyone leave her home hungry, always gave wise counsel, and supported her grandchildren through life’s challenges. Even while in hospice, barely able to speak, Dolores insisted Aisha take food home for her husband. “That’s the kind of person she was—always thinking of others,” Ruiz said.
Dolores passed away on April 14, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Her husband described their marriage as one rooted in faith, love, and sacrifice, crediting God for keeping them strong throughout 45 years together. He finds comfort in knowing she is “with the Lord” and reunited with loved ones who passed before her. Her son Robert’s last words to her were a verse from John 14:3: “Where he is, you will be.”
The Flournoy family says her death was not a natural result of age, but the direct consequence of antibiotics that should never have been prescribed. They are seeking legal representation to pursue accountability for her preventable passing.
Watch the video of how happy and healthy Deloris was before she passed away:
https://youtu.be/RL6jfgtEEqY
Those interested in speaking with the family are invited to send an email to robert@loavesandfishesx10.com
Great Job Staff & the Team @ BlackNews.com Source link for sharing this story.
