Mabel Dunbar, from Fayetteville, Georgia, marked her 112th birthday with a celebration filled with family and joy. Born in Jamaica in 1914, Dunbar has lived a life dedicated to her family and her strong religious beliefs.
On September 5, Dunbar enjoyed a birthday party featuring a custom berry cake, flowers, and a crown. Reflecting on her milestone, she expressed her gratitude and love for her family and even extended it to strangers, proclaiming, “God is love and I love my families.” FOX 5 Atlanta shared her story.
Dunbar’s character is often described as deeply religious, pleasant, and talkative. Her life has been one of service to others, maintaining her active lifestyle through cooking and conversing with visitors.
After relocating to Florida in 1994 to be near her daughter, she moved to Fayetteville in 2025 to live with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law. Family roles remain central to her life. She stated, “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.”
Leading oncologist Ezekiel Emanuel has highlighted several strategies for extending life and reducing disease risk. These include maintaining an active social life, taking up new hobbies, limiting processed and sugary foods, exercising moderately, and ensuring proper sleep.
The value of religious involvement in improving longevity is supported by research. A 2016 study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health explored the link between attending religious services and health outcomes over a 16-year period. Women attending services more than once a week showed a 33% lower risk of dying compared to those who never attended.
Regular attendees enjoyed reduced smoking habits, fewer depressive symptoms, and stronger social support.
While Mabel Dunbar continues to thrive, the world’s oldest living person is Ethel Caterham of England, who celebrated her 117th birthday in August. Caterham attributes her longevity to her choice to “never argue with anyone” and doing what she enjoys.
Teresa Mull contributed to this article as a freelance writer for Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.