October 9, 2002-September 6, 2026

Victoria Claire Burkett, lovingly known to everyone as Tori, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 23. Tori lived a Christ filled life filled with love, friendship, purpose, laughter, leadership, and an extraordinary ability to make the people around her feel special.

Tori was born on October 9, 2002, and grew up in Friendswood, Texas, surrounded by a family who adored her. She was the beloved daughter of Rusty and Melissa Burkett and the cherished little sister of Zachary and Samantha. She was a granddaughter, niece, cousin, fiancé, friend, co-worker — and each of those roles meant something deeply personal to her.

From an early age, Tori embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and serve others. She graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the Mays Business School. An Aggie through and through, she continued her education at Texas A&M while pursuing her Master of Science in Human Resource Management. She was passionate about people and about helping others succeed, making Human Resources a natural fit for her talents and her heart.

That passion was already shaping an impressive career. Tori worked in the Human Resources Department at EOG Resources while continuing her graduate studies. Her professional path reflected the qualities that came so naturally to her: organization, leadership, communication, compassion, and an ability to bring people together.

Those same qualities defined her years at Texas A&M. Tori served as President of the Zeta Tau Alpha Theta Gamma Chapter, leading an organization of more than 300 women. She also served in other executive leadership roles within Zeta Tau Alpha, was a four year member of Texas A&M Diamond Darlings, was active in Mays Business Fellows, Fish Camp, 1879 Society Ambassadors, Texas A&M’s Society for Human Resource Management, and other organizations. In 2025, Tori received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, an honor recognizing Texas A&M students for exceptional leadership, involvement, and commitment to the Aggie Spirit. It was a fitting recognition for someone who gave so much of herself to the university and the people she loved. Yet even this honor captures only a part of who Tori was and her accomplishments only tell a small part of her story.

Tori was, above all else, a people person. She loved deeply, laughed often, and made friends wherever she went. She had a gift for making people feel included and valued. She was fiercely loyal, incredibly giving, and always willing to show up for the people she loved. A “once in a lifetime friend”, her friendships were treasured relationships, and as the baby of the family, she was the glue that held us together. Her family was the center of her world.

That love also shaped the future she was building. She was engaged to the love of her life, Jake Kieffer, with whom she shared beautiful dreams for the years ahead. Their love was an important and cherished part of Tori’s life, and her family is grateful for the love and happiness they shared.

At the heart of Tori’s life was a faith that gave her strength, comfort, and purpose. Her favorite verse, Isaiah 41:10, reminds us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” These words reflect the faith that guided Tori and offer comfort to all who mourn her.

Tori’s family includes her parents, Rusty and Melissa Burkett; brother, Zachary Burkett; sister, Samantha Burkett Roa; their spouses, Madeleine Burkett & Christian Roa; grandparents, Ronny and Laurie Burkett and Ron and Judy Miller; aunts/uncles, Marcy Burkett, Jennifer Barthels and Greg, and Ashley Heinrich and Kaleb; cousins Casey Burkett, Cole Barthels and Vitőria, Cody Barthels and Esther, Jacqueline Heinrich, George Heinrich, and Jovie Heinrich; fiancé Jake Kieffer; best friends Gayle Henderson and Kendal Girouard; and a host of other family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her. And, of course, no mention of Tori’s family would be complete without her canine siblings, Cooper, Charly, Penny and her canine nephew Olsen, her beloved dogs who brought her endless happiness and unconditional love.

The love Tori shared with all who knew her is part of her legacy. She leaves behind more love than can possibly be measured: family gatherings that will never feel quite the same, friendships that will carry her memory forward, Aggie traditions that will forever be a reminder of Tori, and countless stories that will be told again and again.

She leaves behind the example of a young woman who embraced life, invested in people, pursued her dreams, and loved her family and friends wholeheartedly. Her influence will continue in every life she touched and in every act of kindness inspired by her example.

For those fortunate enough to have known Tori, she was never simply someone you knew—she became someone you loved.

And the love she gave will remain.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546. The Service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Friendswood Friends Church. A Private burial will follow.

We wanted to share two special ways Tori’s name and legacy will continue to live on.

Scholarships have been established in her memory through Texas A&M Zeta Tau Alpha and Texas A&M University—two communities that were such meaningful parts of Tori’s life. Our hope is that, through these scholarships, her light, kindness, and love for others will continue to touch lives for years to come.

Memorial Giving

Donate to Tori Burkett Memorial Scholarship