By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 12, 2025

The Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA) has named Ms. Carleen Cumberbatch the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian, an honor awarded annually to a Georgian aged 70 or older who has demonstrated outstanding service to seniors at the community, state, or federal level. Ms. Cumberbatch’s lifetime of service, advocacy, and leadership exemplifies the spirit of positive aging and dedication to improving the lives of others.

The award was presented on February 11, 2025, at the Georgia State Capitol as part of Senior Day at the Capitol. With a career and volunteer record spanning decades, Ms. Cumberbatch has been a tireless advocate for seniors, particularly in DeKalb County, where her efforts have led to significant improvements in senior services.

A retired educator with 29 years of experience in the New York City Education System, Ms. Cumberbatch has served in roles ranging from teacher to district supervisor. Her commitment to public service continued in Georgia, where she was appointed to the Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC) Board of Commissioners in 2003.

Her advocacy work began over 30 years ago when she recognized that DeKalb County lacked services for seniors unless they were homebound or indigent. Determined to make a difference, she founded the South DeKalb Senior Line Dancers, a program designed to encourage exercise and socialization among seniors while advocating for their needs. The group has since performed at nursing homes, schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and senior centers.

Her work was instrumental in getting the Lou Walker Senior constructed in DeKalb County. Ms. Cumberbatch is a tireless leader and advocate for other seniors in Georgia and the United States of America.

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Ms. Cumberbatch has also been an active AARP volunteer, leading workshops on Medicare, organizing senior group ministries, and lecturing at Georgia Perimeter College’s nursing program. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—her long list of accolades includes the Hidden Figures of DeKalb County Award (2017), an award from Congressman Hank Johnson for her work with seniors (2012), the Trail Blazers Women of Distinction Award (2012), the Helping Hand Award for Community Service from WB36 (2002), and the Unsung Heroine Award from the Metro Atlanta Coalition of 100 Black Women (2001).

Her extensive leadership roles include serving as:

• Board Chair for Resident Services Corporation (a nonprofit affiliate of HADC)
• Board Chair for the Housing Authority of DeKalb County
• Member of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging (since 2001)
• Commissioner for the NAHRO Board (2010-2021)
• Volunteer with AARP
• Co-coordinator of Bridge Builders of DeKalb (2003-2006)
• Representative of DeKalb County’s District 31 Georgia Silver Hair Legislature
• Member of the DeKalb County Senior Advisory Board
• Officer on the International Board of the African Travel Association (ATA)
• Coordinator for Commissioner Lou Walker’s District 7 Community Planning Unit
• Member of the Atlanta Regional Commission Senior Task Force
• Member of the Georgia Council on Aging
• First Vice President of the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women
• Member of the League of Women Voters
• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Decatur Chapter

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Ms. Cumberbatch’s leadership and advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for seniors in DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties. Through her work with AARP, she has taken on multiple roles, including Entitlement Speaker, Community Coordinator, District Coordinator, and Women’s Specialist for Georgia. She has also coordinated the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) program for DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Morrow, and Forest Park. Additionally, her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Social Action Committee has made her a strong advocate for senior rights, voter registration, and education.

The Georgia Council on Aging remains committed to its mission of advocating for aging Georgians, educating policymakers, and advising state agencies on senior issues. Ms. Cumberbatch’s recognition as the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian reflects her unwavering dedication to this cause and her profound impact on the community.

Her legacy inspires future generations and proves that advocacy, service, and leadership have no age limit.