FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS — Victoria Claire “Tori” Burkett, a beloved Friendswood resident and Texas A&M University graduate, died peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 23. Tori is being remembered for her faith, leadership, warmth, friendship and extraordinary ability to make the people around her feel valued and loved. Born on October 9, 2002, Victoria grew up in Friendswood surrounded by a close and loving family. She was the daughter of Rusty and Melissa Burkett and the younger sister of Zachary and Samantha. She was also a granddaughter, niece, cousin, fiancé, friend and co-worker, with each relationship forming an important part of the life she shared with those around her. Remembering Victoria Claire “Tori” Burkett Those who knew Tori remember a young woman who embraced life with enthusiasm and purpose. Her family described her as someone who made people feel special. She was known for her generosity, loyalty, compassion and willingness to invest her time and energy in the people she cared about. For friends, family members and colleagues, her accomplishments were only one part of her story. The relationships she built and the kindness she showed to others became an even more lasting part of her legacy. Tori was engaged to Jake Kieffer, and the couple had been looking forward to building their future together. Texas A&M University Legacy Tori was a proud Aggie and graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the Mays Business School. Her involvement at Texas A&M extended well beyond the classroom. She served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha Theta Gamma Chapter, where she led more than 300 women. She was also involved with Texas A&M Diamond Darlings, Mays Business Fellows, Fish Camp, 1879 Society Ambassadors and the university’s Society for Human Resource Management. In 2025, she received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, recognizing her leadership, involvement and dedication to the Texas A&M community. Tori continued her education after completing her undergraduate degree, pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management at Texas A&M while working in Human Resources at EOG Resources. A Life Defined by Faith and Service Christian faith was an important part of Tori’s life. Her family highlighted Isaiah 41:10 as one of the Bible verses especially meaningful to her. Her faith provided an important foundation for the way she approached her relationships, service and future. Friends also remembered her ability to welcome people and make them feel included. She leaves behind memories of family gatherings, friendships, Aggie traditions, professional relationships and countless moments that will continue to be shared by those who loved her. Victoria Burkett Family and Friends Tori leaves behind her parents, Rusty and Melissa Burkett; her brother, Zachary Burkett; her sister, Samantha Burkett Roa; their spouses, Madeleine Burkett and Christian Roa; her grandparents and extended family; her fiancé, Jake Kieffer; close friends including Gayle Henderson and Kendal Girouard; colleagues and many members of the Texas A&M community. Her dogs, Cooper, Charly and Penny, and canine nephew Olsen were also an important part of her life. The many messages of sympathy following her death reflect the breadth of the relationships she formed during her 23 years. Victoria Claire Burkett Funeral Services Friends and loved ones will have an opportunity to remember Tori during visitation on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The visitation will be held at: Friendswood Friends Church 502 S. Friendswood Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 Her funeral service will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Friendswood Friends Church. A private burial will follow the service. Victoria Burkett’s Lasting Legacy Victoria Claire “Tori” Burkett’s life was short, but the influence she had on the people around her was significant. She was a daughter, sister, fiancé, friend, colleague, student and leader. Through each role, she brought the same qualities that those closest to her continue to remember: faith, kindness, enthusiasm, loyalty and a genuine concern for others. Her Texas A&M community, Friendswood hometown and family will carry those memories forward. For those who knew Tori, her legacy will not be defined only by what she accomplished in 23 years, but by the people she encouraged, the friendships she nurtured and the love she gave so freely. Victoria Claire Burkett Obituary Details Detail Information Full name Victoria Claire Burkett Known as Tori Born October 9, 2002 Died September 6, 2026 Age 23 Hometown Friendswood, Texas Parents Rusty and Melissa Burkett Siblings Zachary Burkett and Samantha Burkett Roa Fiancé Jake Kieffer Education Texas A&M University Bachelor’s degree BBA, Supply Chain Management Graduate studies MS in Human Resource Management University involvement Zeta Tau Alpha, Diamond Darlings, Mays Business Fellows, Fish Camp, 1879 Society Ambassadors, SHRM 2025 honor Buck Weirus Spirit Award Visitation September 13, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Funeral service September 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. Service location Friendswood Friends Church Burial Private Cause of death Not stated in the official funeral-home obituary Disclaimer This obituary is based primarily on the published funeral-home memorial for Victoria Claire “Tori” Burkett. Her death on September 6, 2026, age 23, and her funeral arrangements have been confirmed by the funeral home. The official obituary does not state a cause of death, so no cause is presented here as fact. Funeral and family information may be updated if additional details are released by her loved ones. Post navigation Ethan Pritchard Shooting: FSU Linebacker Survives Gunshot Wound and Continues Recovery Laredo Fire Today Update: One Dead, One Injured as House Fire Spreads to Three Homes