She spent her first seventeen years in Brattleboro, Vermont. She received a B.A. in Computer Science and French from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a Magistère de Langue et de Civilisation Française from La Sorbonne in Paris, France. While in France, Asbury College invited her to fill a one-year French teaching position at their institution, after which she married Rev. Robert W. Barnes. In their 30+ years of marriage, they have ministered at six United Methodist churches and are currently serving Northwest Hills Global Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas. They have two children, Catherine and Robert, who both live in Texas with their spouses. Linda enjoys being active in their church, walking her dog, reading mysteries, and taking classes at the local gym.