She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her current research focuses on older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia and chronic illnesses, and the health and well-being of family caregivers. She focuses on understanding the health care needs of older adults and their family caregivers within social, cultural, and geographical contexts. With colleagues from UVA, Dr. Williams is also studying diabetes self-management among older African American adults living in rural communities.