A remarkable woman from Fayetteville, Georgia, recently celebrated her 112th birthday, attributing her impressive longevity to her family ties and a strong faith. Mabel Dunbar, who was born in Jamaica in 1914, enjoyed a special birthday celebration on September 5, surrounded by her loved ones, where she was presented with a personalized berry cake, flowers, and a beautiful crown.
At her birthday gathering, Dunbar shared her heartfelt philosophy on life, stating, “God is love, and I love my families. I cherish everyone, even those I do not know.”
Friends and family describe Dunbar as someone who is deeply religious, kind, and always ready to chat. Throughout her life, she has dedicated herself to helping others and staying active. Even recently, she loved to cook breakfast every morning and often enjoyed sharing her life stories with visitors.
After living in Florida with her daughter for several years, Dunbar moved back to Fayetteville in August 2025 to live with her granddaughter and her husband. She emphasizes the importance of family in her everyday life, saying, “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 always here for me, and I’m glad to see them.”
Research shows that social connections, such as those within families, can play a significant role in living a longer life. In a study conducted by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel at the University of Pennsylvania, various factors were identified that contribute to longevity, such as having an active social life, learning new things, eating well, exercising moderately, and getting enough sleep.
Additionally, attendance at religious services has been linked to a longer life. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who attended religious services frequently had a significantly lower risk of dying in the following years compared to those who did not attend.
The world’s oldest living person is Ethel Caterham from England, who celebrated her 117th birthday this past August. Caterham attributes her long life to her calm nature and ability to avoid conflicts.
As Mabel Dunbar continues to inspire those around her with her wisdom and warmth, it’s clear that her love for her family and her faith are at the heart of her remarkable journey.
