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Hi Connie,
It appears that totally removing my Mom from feeding Pirate has solved the problem.
I don't know for sure, but it appeared that Pirate was viewing her socially as a pack member he could dominate and although he respects me as pack leader he was trying to dominate her in relation to food (any food in the house). Thus the aggression he was showing toward her(growling).
So I had my Mom and Pirate go back to square one where she totally ignored him - No eye contact, no feeding, no petting, no talking to him. Basically ignore, ignore and ignore.
Also removed him from her presence whenever she was eating or handling food.
At the same time I started feeding Pirate his meals again but in my bedroom by his crate. He jumps excitedly for food so I say "down" and do not give him his bowl of food until he listens and settles down. Then I place his bowl down, say "Okay" and then close the door halfway so he has his 'privacy' while eating and at that time no contact with anyone.
This feeding routine evidently had removed his anxiety about food. My Mom can now eat with him in the kitchen, handle food at the table or counters or stove and no more growling at her from Pirate. He happily greets her in the mornings now when we get up and she can even pet him now.
I guess it was just a matter of removing Pirate (in his mind) from competing with my Mom over food and establishing that my Mom is dominate rather than subordinate to him as a pack member. He is very strong willed and I have changed my pack leader behavior to match that will as he constantly tests my leadership. I am doing my best to retain firm hand over him, keeping commands simple and consistent as well as keeping a daily routine. He looks to me for direction and protection. If something spooks him when in the house or outside he comes right by me and actually stands behind me leaving me to take care of whatever is causing him distress. Perhaps it was just a matter of time to adjust to his new life too. But whatever, he evidently has found his place in the 'pack' and accepted it.
Now concentrating on basic commands. It appears no one ever taught him any.