Big Mama, Who Had Food Network Pilot, Passes Away at 76

Patricia Barron, also known as "Big Mama" passed away Friday evening at the age of 76 according to Omaha World Herald.  She was a restaurateur who owned Big Mama's Kitchen in Omaha, Nebraska.  That restaurant appeared on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives on Food Network in 2008 which brought Big Mama and her restaurant notoriety.

In 2013, the Food Network also decided to do a pilot called Big Mama's Kitchen that aired in December 2013.  They ultimately decided not to turn the pilot into a series, but if you are interested, you can watch the pilot here.

In looking at Big Mama's Kitchen YouTube page, it appears that Big Mama was battling cancer, but I am not sure if that is what caused her death.  The restaurant Facebook page posted the following message:

"On this Good Friday, the Lord has called home a Great Woman. Patricia "Big Mama" Barron has gone to be with Jesus.

Big Mama's last wish was for her daughters and family to carry on her passion for serving delicious soul food from the restaurant, Big Mama's Kitchen And Catering, which she so dearly loved. The restaurant will be open normal hours this weekend with a special Easter Lunch served on Sunday. Hours of operation this weekend will be:
Saturday, March 31st from 8-5
Sunday, April 1st from 10-3

The restaurant will be closed Monday - Thursday, April 2-5th to enable Big Mama's family & friends to celebrate her life and will reopen next Friday, April 6th at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the Metropolitan Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 3777, Omaha, NE 68103-0777 to benefit the Patricia "Big Mama" Barron Culinary Scholarship. Please indicate the scholarship name in the check memo line. Memorial contributions can also be given online at: https://webapps.mccneb.edu/waystogive/Give/ Indicate the scholarship name in the, "donation is in honor of" section."