Dorene Louise Flournoy

Dorene Louise Flournoy, born on October 6, 1952, in the vibrant city of Little Rock, Arkansas, gracefully concluded her earthly journey on July 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness. Dorene's life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and unyielding strength, reflecting her nurturing spirit and unwavering commitment to those she cherished. Raised by her beloved mother, Mary Ann Taylor, and her devoted stepfather, Master Sergeant Edward A. Taylor, Dorene was shaped by a family rooted in love and resilience. Her family extended beyond her immediate kin, as she shared a profound, six-decade-long sisterhood with Linda McCloud, a bond that enriched her life with joy and companionship. A proud graduate of Ramona High School in Riverside, California, Dorene pursued further education at Napa Valley College, where she honed her skills in mental health and nursing, earning her license as a Psychiatric Technician. For 31 dedicated years, Dorene served the State of California at Napa State Hospital, providing compassionate care and support to those in need. Her retirement was a testament to a life spent in service to others. Dorene's commitment to helping those less fortunate extended beyond her professional life. As an active member of the Unity Fellowship Church of Riverside for over 12 years, she was deeply involved in community service, organizing clothing and food giveaways for the homeless and connecting them to vital mental health and addiction recovery services. Her love for life was as diverse as it was deep. Dorene had a passion for music, cooking, and playing dominoes and cards, always eager to learn new recipes from her favorite cooking shows. She cherished the thrill of travel, the joy of fishing, and the warmth of meeting new people. Her quick wit, radiant smile, and love for detective stories added to her vibrant personality. An ardent sports enthusiast, she eagerly awaited the football and basketball seasons each year. Dorene's legacy of love, support, and encouragement continues through her surviving family: her brother Larry Barnes and his wife Donna Barnes; her cherished children, Judy Ortiz; and her beloved grandchildren, Taylor Ortiz-Dixon, Kamanie Ortiz-Newton, Christiannah Ortiz-Newton, and Jordan Sanders. Her extended family, including Reverend Bishop Ramsey, Karen Heard, and many more, will forever hold her memory close. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Ann Taylor, stepfather Edward Taylor, and Stanley Flournoy. A celebration of Dorene's remarkable life will be held on August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Riverside, located at 3504 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, in honor of Dorene's generous spirit and enduring compassion. Dorene Louise Flournoy's life was a testament to love, empathy, and unwavering dedication to family and community. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.