During World War II, her parents divorced and she lived part time between Long Island and New York City.

[1] When the family returned to the United States, Penny joined the League of Women Voters,[2] got involved with local politics such as the campaign for Jim Jones, and worked under her mentor, Henry Bellmon.

Her fellow female legislators were Twyla Mason Gray, Helen Arnold, Alene Baker, and Joan Hastings.

[1] Rodger Randle ran for mayor and Williams decided to run for his vacant Senate seat.

Before establishing the university, Tulsa was the largest metropolitan area in the United States that did not have a four-year public higher education option.

[1] She authored the Art in Public Places Act, which was a large factor in the commission and placement of artwork throughout the Capitol building.

Williams defined this core curriculum as consisting of six subjects, not only math and science, but arts, history, among other humanities focuses.