# Woman, age 107, has a few big secrets of living a long, happy life

**Published March 1, 2025 7:52am EST**

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A great-great-great-grandmother whose life has been described as "a testament to resilience, adaptability, and love" recently celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by her family and friends.

A great-great-great-grandmother whose life has been described as "a testament to resilience, adaptability, and love" recently celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by her family and friends.

Family, faith, and a love of dressing up are all a major part of one centenarian's life — but her years on this Earth have produced a few surprises as well.

A great-great-great-grandmother whose life has been described as "a testament to resilience, adaptability, and love" recently celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by her family and friends.

A great-great-great-grandmother whose life has been described as "a testament to resilience, adaptability, and love" recently celebrated her 107th birthday surrounded by her family and friends.

Family friend Patricia Wharton said the birthday party was filled with "joy, laughter, and heartwarming tributes."

"Mary's journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Wharton, as SWNS reported.

> Her husband died 30 years ago at the age of 79.

Born in Dunbarton, Jamaica, Thomas moved to the U.K. 32 years ago.

She would frequently travel back to her native land for brief visits, said SWNS.

> She married husband Charlie Thomas — and the couple had eight children.

Today, Thomas has 25 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren, and five great-great-great-grandchildren.

Though her husband died 30 years ago at 79 years old, she still talks fondly about him, said Wharton.



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Wharton said the grandchildren describe "Mama" as a "strict, no-nonsense grandmother."

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The friend added, "Mary's family gathered to celebrate not just her incredible age, but the legacy of love and resilience she has built. The event was a testament to the strong bonds that  united six generations" of the family, said Wharton.

> People were "astounded" at her "ability to recite scripture without prompting."

"From her great-great-grandchildren to her great-great-great-grandchildren, every member of the family  to spend time with their beloved matriarch," as SWNS also noted.

As of earlier this year, a soccer-loving nun from Brazil named Inah Canabarro Lucas is believed to be the world's oldest living person, at nearly 117 years old — attributing her longevity to her steadfast Catholic faith, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

She was born in June 1908.



A longevity expert told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that the five cornerstones of a long, healthy life are eating right; staying active; choosing the right medications; taking key supplements; and sleeping well.

_Melissa Rudy and Sarah Rumph-Whitten, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting._

Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle at Fox News Digital.
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