Georgia Woman Celebrates 112th Birthday, Credits Faith and Family for Long Life

Mabel Dunbar, a Georgia resident, recently marked her 112th birthday, attributing her impressive longevity to her close family connections and deep religious faith. Born in Jamaica in 1914, Dunbar now lives in Fayetteville, Georgia. She celebrated her birthday on September 5 with a custom berry cake, flowers, and a crown, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.

Surrounded by her loved ones, Dunbar expressed her affection for both family and strangers, stating, “God is love and I love my families.” Her family includes one child, four grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren.

Treat them the best you can, because they are important. You need them when you can’t help yourself like me. These good people are on me all the time, and I’m happy to see them when they come.

Dunbar is known for her religious devotion, amicable personality, and conversational nature. Her active life involved serving others and staying busy. Until recently, she enjoyed cooking and preparing her own breakfast, as well as engaging in storytelling with guests.

In 1994, Dunbar moved to Florida to live with her daughter. Last year, in August 2025, she relocated to Fayetteville to stay with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, signifying her enduring commitment to family.

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a leading oncologist and bioethicist from the University of Pennsylvania, has emphasized several factors for a longer life. These include maintaining an active social life, pursuing new hobbies, avoiding processed and sugary foods, participating in moderate exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep.

Religious involvement may also contribute to longevity. A 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggested a link between religious service attendance and reduced mortality risk. The study observed 74,534 women over 16 years and found that those attending services more than once a week showed a 33% lower risk of death compared to non-attendees.

The study also noted that regular attendees often smoked less, experienced fewer symptoms of depression, and had stronger social networks. These factors likely contributed to better health outcomes.

The world’s oldest documented living person, as of now, is Ethel Caterham from England, who celebrated her 117th birthday in August. Caterham attributes her longevity to a peaceful life, avoiding arguments, and prioritizing personal choices.