Greene was born in Wayside, Monroe County, West Virginia, USA, on 19 September 1877 (claimed 8 September). Her parents were Lewis Thomas (1825–1882) and Amanda Jane Green (1849–1891). Some of her uncles fought in the Civil War. Her father passed away when she was 4, and her mother when she was 14. Afterward, she was raised by her relatives. Before passing away, her mother taught her to quilt and use a spinning wheel.

In January 1898, she married Russell Ashby Greene (1872–1929). The couple had nine children: Pauline Amanda Lively (1899–1966), Roy Washington Greene (1901–1975), Guy Jennings Greene (1902–2002), Carl Hunter Greene (1904–1989), Hallie Monroe (1907–2004), Phyllis Blanche Turner (1908–1965), Ada Louise Dillon (1910–2013), Russell Ashby Greene (1916–2008), and Beatrice Frances Meadows (1919–1980).

At the age of 102, she moved into a nursing home in Beckley. At the age of 113, she said that a daily milkshake, a vitamin and good, clean living were the factors contributing to her longevity. It was reported that she never smoked or consumed alcohol.

Greene passed away in Lindside, Monroe County, West Virginia, USA, on 26 February 1992, at the age of 114. She was survived by four children, 21 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 42 great-great-grandchildren.