A Jamaican-born woman in Georgia has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 112th birthday surrounded by generations of family who say her faith, warmth and devotion to others have remained central throughout her extraordinary life.
Mabel Dunbar, who was born in Wakefield, Trelawny, Jamaica, on September 5, 1914, celebrated her birthday on Saturday at her home in Fayetteville, Georgia. The mother of one, grandmother of four and great-grandmother was honoured with a custom berry cake, flowers and a birthday crown as relatives gathered to mark the occasion.
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Asked about the secret to her longevity, Dunbar pointed to her faith and her love for family and other people. “God is love and I love my families,” she said, expressing gratitude for both her relatives and the many people who have been part of her life.
Dunbar spent much of her life serving others and staying active. Until recently, she continued cooking and preparing her own breakfast each morning while enjoying conversations and sharing stories with visitors. Her relatives describe her as deeply religious, pleasant and talkative.
Her journey has taken her from rural Jamaica to several parts of the United States. She moved to America in the 1960s and spent decades in New York before relocating to Florida. In August 2025, she moved to Fayetteville to live with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law.
Family remains at the heart of Dunbar’s life. Offering advice to younger generations, she encouraged them to treat their relatives well, emphasizing that family becomes especially important as people grow older and need support.
Dunbar’s age has also been independently validated. The Gerontology Research Group confirmed her age in 2024 following verification by demographic researchers, placing her among the rare group of people who have reached at least 110 years old.
Her 112th birthday is therefore more than a personal milestone. For her family and the Jamaican community, it is a celebration of a life that spans more than a century, crosses two countries and continues to be defined by faith, family and service.
