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

Mabel Dunbar of Fayetteville, Georgia, recently marked her 112th birthday, attributing her long life to close family ties and strong religious faith.

Born in Jamaica in 1914, Dunbar is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family celebrated her birthday on September 5 with a personalized cake, flowers, and a crown.

God is love and I love my families, Dunbar remarked during her celebration. I love all my families and strangers.

Known for her deep religious beliefs and friendly demeanor, Dunbar led a life dedicated to serving others and staying active. She managed her own meals and engaged with visitors through storytelling until recently.

After relocating to Florida in 1994 to live with her daughter, Dunbar moved to Fayetteville in 2025 to reside with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law.

Family plays a crucial role in her daily life. She emphasizes treating younger generations with care, stating, Treat them the best you can, because they are important. She acknowledges their support, You need them when you can’t help yourself like me.

Leading oncologist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel from the University of Pennsylvania offers strategies for longevity and reducing disease risk. His recommendations include maintaining a social life, engaging in learning activities, controlling sugary and processed food intake, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep.

Research supports a link between religious involvement and extended lifespan. A 2016 Harvard study analyzed the religious service attendance of 74,534 women over 16 years, finding that frequent attendees had a lower risk of dying.

The world’s oldest verified living person, Ethel Caterham from England, attributes her 117 years to tranquility in her life.

Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.