Susan E. "Betsy" Brackett, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P

Betsy Brackett passed away at home on Sept. 11, 2026, with her beloved golden retriever, Riley, by her side.

Betsy was talented and tenacious, forging new pathways in her profession and lifting others into the arts.

After graduating high school in Bartlesville, Okla., and attending both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, she battled prejudiced and outdated ideas to become the second woman admitted to the OU School of Dentistry. When she graduated in 1978, she was the only woman in her class.

She began teaching dentistry at the University of Colorado and OU, later receiving a master’s degree in prosthodontics from the University of Iowa. She went on to become a leader in the field, winning awards for novel research, co-authoring an acclaimed textbook and serving as the president of the American College of Prosthodontists.

Along with her career accomplishments, Betsy will be remembered for her immense support of the arts, especially the Oklahoma City Ballet and the University of Oklahoma School of Dance. Besides generous financial support, she contributed her time and her energy to those organizations, serving in board leadership positions as well as developing personal relationships with young performers. Betsy shared her passion and her wisdom, helping drive artists to reach their potential and establish successful careers. In 2024 Betsy was recognized by the Governor of Oklahoma for her contributions with the distinguished Governor’s Art Award.

As a patron of arts, Betsy was always careful to lead by example, encouraging others to give and get involved to create excellence; and, she followed the University of Oklahoma forward thinking mantra of “Lead On” with multiple significant philanthropic endeavors including support of many great causes such as Ground Zero, and First Americans Museum.

Although she attended and taught at multiple universities, Betsy was a huge Sooners fan, supporting women’s sports such as tennis and gymnastics. She especially loved OU football, attending most home games and traveling around the Big 12 and SEC and to most University of Oklahoma bowl games.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Elsie Brackett; and her stepson, Gregg Wadley II. She is survived by the love of her life and her husband of 34 years Gregg Wadley; brother James “Jim” Brackett; brother-in-law Tim Wadley and wife Linda, granddaughter Milly Wadley; niece Abby Wadley, nephews John Brackett and Bill Brackett and the thousands of clinicians and artists whose lives she touched.

Celebration of Life

September 22, 2026

10:00 AM

First American’s Museum

659 First American’s Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73129

The family requests that those who wish to honor her legacy please make donation in her name to:

Oklahoma City Ballet

6800 N. Classen Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73116

www.okcballet.org

University of Oklahoma School of Dance

560 Parrington Oval, Room 100

Norman, OK 73019

www.ou.edu