Linda Carol Friend Adams was born on March 26, 1943 in Charlestown, West Virginia. She grew up in the towns of Ivydale and Clay, also in West Virginia, before moving to Williamsburg in 1960 to be closer to family. Adams worked as a secretary at the Williamsburg Methodist Church for six years. She also became a part-time student at the College of William and Mary, graduating with a B.A. in English in 1973. In October of 1966, she took the position of Secretary to the Curator of Manuscripts and Receptionist for Special Collections at Swem Library. She married Raymond Alexander Adams, Jr. in August of 1977.

Adams held several positions during her tenure at Swem Library, including Secretary to the Head Librarian, Head of the Reserve Room, and Coordinator of Circulation Services. She retired in 1998, after 32 years of service.

After retiring, Adams extensively researched her family's genealogy. She became involved with a number of historical organizations. She joined the Williamsburg chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as Recording Secretary for one year and Chapter Registrar for four. Adams also became a member of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, the National Society of United States Daughters of 1812, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Linda Friend Adams died on September 6, 2008 in Williamsburg at the age of 65.