Amelia Patterson, affectionately known as Mom Patterson, was the founder of Philly’s famous Patterson’s Restaurant. She will be missed by many in Philadelphia and around the world as she influenced many to live and eat healthier.

“I want people to remember her as a very gifted humanitarian who loved people, loved children, loved the community and served her God and loved her Lord — and she loved her husband,” said her son, Bruce Patterson.

“She was married 61 years to the same man. They had a lot of children and grandchildren, and I would love for her to be remembered as Philadelphia royalty.”

Patterson died December 5. She was 79.

Patterson introduced the first soy-burger to Philadelphia in 1972 when she and her husband, John, opened America’s first African American-owned and operated vegetarian health food restaurant, “Pattersons.”

Paterson was born on May 4, 1932 and embraced others into her family.

“Her thing was about family. She took in a lot of young men and women who had no family,” her son said.

Having had the pleasure of tasting Mom Patterson’s unique and exceptional brand of healthy vegetarian soul foods are former Mayor John Street, current Mayor Michael Nutter, countless entertainers and celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett, India Irie, The Roots, Meek Mills, as well as civic and community notables. They heralded this great historic Philadelphian’s gift of serving delicious, nutritious meals in Philadelphia for 40 years. She was also the creator of the ever popular Patterson Navy Bean Soup, Soy Burger, Ma Patterson’s Apple Crisp, Peach Cake and various other delectable, meatless and healthy food entrees.

Services will be held December 11, 2011 at The North Philadelphia SDA Church, 1600 W. Oxford Street. It will begin at 10 a.m. Baker Funeral Home handled the arrangements.