beatrice "aunt bee" taylor is andy's paternal aunt. aunt bee is a spinster in her late-50s who raised andy. she was living alone in west virginia when andy invited her to come to live with him and opie, after their housekeeper rose got married and moved away. aunt bee is a motherly figure who takes the place of opie's late mother and dotes over the boy, caring for his welfare and taking care of andy as well. she is prominent in town, a respected lady who spends her time helping with social functions and church events. she is prone to spend time with her friends gossiping about the town's citizens.