Curtright was born in Madison, Monroe County, Missouri, USA, on 4 December 1908, to parents James H. Johnston (1874–1941) and Anna Maude Mallory (1874–1966). She had at least four siblings: Edgar (1894–1968), Rolla (1897–1975), Emmett Baxter (1907–1991), and Lillian Opal Embree (1913–2011).

On 10 June 1928, she married Eugene L. “Gene” Curtright (1904–1983). She met her husband at a high school basketball game, and he expressed a desire to marry her. However, she was determined to graduate high school first, and she agreed to marry him after that. Throughout her life, she worked a variety of jobs in Kansas City, including positions at a dress shop (Jones Clothing Store) and a flower shop. She did not have any children. Her husband worked for Sinclair Oil Company. They were transferred around the country, but when he retired, the couple moved to Macon, Missouri. For about 2 ½ years (1956-1957), their nephew, Don Embree, lived with them in Macon while he worked for the railroad.

As an elderly woman, she remained an active member of a bowling team. Even at the age of 100, she continued to enjoy fishing with a rod and reel and took pleasure in gardening. At the age of 107, she moved to the Loch Haven Senior Living Community in Macon. Her former neighbors commented that even at the age of 100, she would perform outdoor tasks such as scooping snow off the sidewalk and cleaning out the gutters. At the age of 110, she shared with KTVO that she didn’t have a secret to living to 110; rather, she believed she was simply fulfilling God’s will.

Coincidentally, she resided at the same nursing home as Velma Hinds, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 112.

Curtright passed away in Macon, Missouri, USA, on 1 October 2019, at the age of 110 years, 301 days.