While community and public service is an important part of Lisa's life, her family is her first priority. Lisa has worked in agribusiness alongside her husband, Johnny Barnes, to whom she has been married for 32 years. They have three children-- Bethany, Joshua, and Jacy. In 2022, Lisa and her husband welcomed their first grandchild into the family. Lisa and her family are also active members of Ridgecrest Worship Center.

Lisa graduated from Southern Nash High School and went on to obtain an Associate of Arts degree from Peace College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University. Lisa also completed the post graduate Legal Assistants Program at Meredith College.