SHORT TAKES : Simple Rites for TV’s Aunt Bee

Most people will remember the woman who portrayed Aunt Bee on television’s “The Andy Griffith Show” as the loveable matron who took care of Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Opie for so long, says the actress’ attorney.

The ceremony for Frances Bavier, 86, was brief, lasting less than 10 minutes at an ice-covered cemetery Sunday on the edge of the town she had called home for the last 17 years. About two dozen townspeople--only those who knew her in Siler City, as well as members of the town’s fire, police and rescue departments--attended the memorial service. Miss Bavier died in her sleep last Wednesday.

Miss Bavier’s ashes were placed in an urn at the grave site. The remains were surrounded by four floral arrangements. Although no one from the original cast of “The Andy Griffith Show” attended the services, Griffith did send in an arrangement which was adorned with a moss-covered cross. “I’m sure she would have liked to have had the cast here, but she knew they were all tied up or busy. But she wanted each of them contacted,” said Sam Williams, Miss Bavier’s attorney.

Miss Bavier was considered a recluse, rarely stepping out of her home. Even when she was admitted to Chatham Memorial Hospital the day before Thanksgiving, word of her condition was kept secret until her release from the hospital last Monday.