<P> Thelma Lou lives in the community of Mayberry, North Carolina . She is Mayberry Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife's girlfriend . Thelma Lou appeared as a semi-regular character in 26 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show from 1961 until 1966 when the character was dropped from the show following the departure of Don Knotts and his Barney Fife character . She appeared in the 1986 reunion made - for - television movie, Return to Mayberry . </P> <P> Thelma Lou's debut occurs in the first season episode, "Cyrano Andy". Barney and Thelma Lou are platonic friends but their relationship becomes (and remains) a romantic one with Andy's help . </P> <P> Little is known about Thelma Lou's telelife, despite her impressive role in the series . Barney met Thelma Lou at Wilton Blair's funeral in 1960 . In another episode, it is mentioned that she attended Mayberry Union High, graduating in the same class with Barney and Andy Taylor . Aside from her romance with Barney Fife, she was given very little character development during the series' run . She was generally portrayed as a sweet - natured, somewhat touchy, caring person who genuinely had an understanding of Barney, despite his unbecoming antics and personality problems . She sang in the choir, lived in her own home, and was apparently employed at an office and self - sufficient . Like most Mayberry ladies, she is an accomplished cook, being especially celebrated for her "cashew fudge" (a favorite of Barney's). Thelma Lou's last name was never given on the show, though in her last appearance on the series ("The Return of Barney Fife") she is married to a man named Gerald Whitfield . Her occupation is never revealed, but she mentions once that she "had to get back to the office ." Prior to the arrival of Helen Crump in Mayberry, Lydia Crosswaithe is introduced as one of Thelma Lou's friends . Unfortunately, Lydia's extremely odd personality doomed an effort by Barney and "Thel" to arrange a date and possible romantic match with Andy . </P> <P> The stability of Barney and Thelma Lou's relationship is questionable . Barney dates other women besides Thelma Lou (mainly, diner waitress Juanita, who is mentioned but never seen or heard). </P>

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