Francisca Mangonez Martínez was born in Majagual, Sucre Department, Colombia, on 4 July 1910. She was reportedly the only daughter of José Mangonez de la Espriella and Adriana Martínez Sajona. She had four maternal half-siblings: Omaira, Ernelda, Mercedes, and Carlos Arturo Martinez Sajona. She had two brothers from her parents’ marriage, and one of them lived to be 103 years old. In her youth, she lived in Magangué. Eventually, she moved to the city of Sucre, where she gave birth to her only daughter, Carlota.

In 2011, she received her first ID card. In March 2021, at the age of 110, she received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. According to her family, she had a preference for milk, but she never followed any specific diet. Although she abstained from alcohol, she used to smoke tobacco until she was advised about its adverse effects on her throat, prompting her to quit. Sometime before reaching the age of 110, she began to suffer from osteoarthritis, which compelled her to spend most of her time in a wheelchair. When asked about the secret of her longevity, she jokingly stated that people with big ears have that gift.

Francisca Mangonez Martínez passed away in Sucre, Sucre Department, Colombia, on 18 March 2024, aged 113 years, 257 days.