Dr. Paulette Proctor Harris

Dr. Paulette Proctor Harris, PhD

Augusta, GA- A pioneer for the advocacy of literacy, Dr. Paulette Proctor Harris, entered into rest peacefully on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Paulette was born October 5, 1949 in Augusta, GA to Paul E. Proctor and Ilma Hankinson Cason Proctor. Paulette graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in 1967. After high school, she continued her education at Augusta College, where she graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and French. She went on to receive a master’s degree from Augusta College and earned her Doctorate with Honors from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC in 1983. Paulette also held numerous post-doctoral and education certifications including several in the special education, gifted, and reading concentrations.

Dr. Harris was passionate about education. After college graduation, she began teaching in Richmond County and spent seven years in the school system serving as a Title 1 reading specialist, lead teacher, and assistant principal. Dr. Harris began her career at Augusta College in 1978, moving through the ranks in the College of Education including instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, coordinator, director, interim dean, and professor of education. Since 1991, Dr. Harris served as the Cree-Walker Endowed Chair and Professor in Education.

Dr. Harris served as the longest tenured professor on the Summerville campus of Augusta University with over 42 years of service. She was the Founder and Director of the University’s Literacy Center. Founded in 1990, the Augusta University Literacy Center has served as a tremendous resource for literacy among children and adults in the Central Savannah River Area. For more than 30 years, both children and adults learned reading through a nationally acclaimed reading program facilitated by Dr. Harris. Through her work, the Literacy Center at Augusta University was named a National Exemplary Model by the National Reading Styles Institute, one of the nation’s leading research-based educational organizations dedicated to improving literacy. Dr. Harris was also instrumental in spearheading satellite literacy programs in local school systems such as McDuffie County and Richmond County. Additionally, Dr. Harris taught many local school leaders and teachers and remained active showing and offering support, training, and expertise to school administrators, teachers, and students throughout the entire Central Savannah River Area.

Her cordial approach while working with others led to Dr. Harris being most respected and viewed as an educational humanitarian in efforts to support childhood and adult literacy. A renowned researcher and scholar, Dr. Harris had over 50 published works and was a frequent presenter at the local, regional, and national, and international levels. Dr. Harris held leadership roles in numerous organizations including the Georgia Reading Association, National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, Georgia Association for Young Children, Association for Childhood Education International Committee, and National Council Teachers of English.

In addition to her literacy work, Dr. Harris served as President of the Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the American Association of University Women-Augusta, and CSRA Phi Delta Kappa. Dr. Harris also served on the Governor’s Child Care Council and as Literacy Coordinator for the College Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Dr. Harris received several special awards and honors including the Richard S. Wallace Distinguished Service, Town and Gown, Education Faculty Teaching, Faculty Service, Outstanding Faculty, and College of Education Distinguished Alumna of the Year Awards from Augusta University and its legacy institutions. She was selected as a National Fellow in 1993 by the American Association of Colleges and University Women. She received the Delta Gamma Woman of the Year of Impact Award, Girl Scouts Woman of Excellence Award, and Phi Delta Kappa Service Key as Outstanding Leader.

Paulette loved spending time in her hometown of Augusta as well as Saint Simons Island, GA. She was a member of the United States Power Squadrons, Commander of the Savannah River Sail and Power Squadron, and charter member of the Golden Isles Sail and Power Squadron. She was active at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and later at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia.

Paulette is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Ruby, who she married in 2015 and brought much joy to her life. In addition to her husband, Paulette is survived by her sister, Stephanie Proctor Herzberg (Joe), of Augusta, GA, multiple nieces, and nephews, three step grandchildren, and friends that she considered family. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Audie Holmes, who loved and supported her. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Ronald Lowe Cason and Adam Webster Cason.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Westover Memorial Park with Reverend Dr. Talmadge A. “Joe” Bowden officiating.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support her passion and life’s work through the Augusta University Literacy Center. Donations can be mailed to the Augusta University Foundation, 1120 15th Street, AD-1104, Augusta, GA 30912 or online at https://www.augusta.edu/giving/gift.php?fund=293230 .

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com