Frances Bavier, known for playing Aunt Bee, chose Siler City, North Carolina, for her retirement, close to the inspiration for Mayberry. In her will, she allocated $100,000 to the Siler City police, demonstrating her care for the town. Not a one-time gift, she directed the money to create a trust fund. Annually, on December 15, the interest from the fund provides Christmas bonuses to the 20 officers in the small police force. This thoughtful gesture reflects Bavier’s practical and considerate nature. The actress, admired for her role in The Andy Griffith Show, portrayed Aunt Bee, who raised the exemplary officer Andy Taylor. Bavier’s real-life actions mirror her on-screen character’s caring and responsible traits.
