Paula Diane Rideout Harris

Paula Diane Rideout Harris of Harrisburg, PA transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at home with her loving daughter by her side. Paula was born June 6, 1952 in Carlisle, PA. She was the daughter of the late Robert Rideout and Catherine Allen Rideout. Paula was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Carol Kennerly, Carolyn Phillips, and her brother, Kevin Rideout. Paula is survived by her loving daughter, Rogette Nicole Harris, and Simon (her cat) who she adored; her brother, Marc Rideout of Los Angeles, CA; and sister, Jayne Rideout of Baltimore, MD. She also leaves to cherish her life several nieces and nephews. Paula was a servant leader in the community. She was past president and youth advisor of the Greater Harrisburg NAACP. She opened the first official office of the Greater Harrisburg NAACP. Paula was also advisor of the Youth and Government Program for the Camp Curtin Branch YMCA. She was a published author, “The First Black President: The Race to the White House.” Paula brought to the Harrisburg community the well-known, “Black Achiever’s Program,” directed by the Camp Curtin YMCA. She was a volunteer at her church, Living Water Community Church, in the Food Pantry. As a strong Civil Rights leader, she wrote several articles for the Patriot-News, most related to Civil Rights in America. Paula also received many awards and citations for her servant leadership. Paula was a champion for those without a voice. She was devoted to helping those most in need. Paula retired from Highmark Blue Shield as a Business Analyst with over thirty years of service. After retirement, she started her own company where she was CEO and President of the Andrew Young National Center for Social Change. She was instrumental in bringing Mr. Young to Harrisburg at which time she obtained his permission to use his name for her company. Paula loved to travel, especially on boats. She was an avid singer and even sang with the renowned Marian Anderson. Paula had a green thumb, and loved gardening, baking, decorating, and writing. Her sense of humor would keep you crying. Her laugh was infectious, and she could make you laugh even when you were unhappy. Her smile would melt butter. Let us all remember Paula’s final words when she ended any speech, “There is only one race, the human race.” Paula loved being a mother, and she was a loving and devoted mother. She never missed any of Rogette’s events or performances. Her life was Rogette’s life. She was proud of her daughter and told all her friends often how blessed she was to have a loving, caring, and selfless daughter like Rogette. Her daughter reflects her mother. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Living Water Community Church, located at 206 Oakleigh Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Social distancing will be practiced. Please wear a mask if you attend in person. Please note Rogette, Paula’s daughter, has been fully vaccinated and would love to see you. Live stream of Paula’s service will be available at www.livingwatercc.com/livestream. Rogette expresses her sincere thanks for your prayers, love, and other acts of kindness during this time of sadness. May God richly bless each of you for your gracious love towards her. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Paula Diane Rideout Harris

June 6, 1952 - March 6, 2021