Updated: Sep 8, 2026, Sources: By Jeter Memorial Funeral Home
Houston, city in Texas– Victoria Claire Burkett, lovingly known as Tori, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 23. A beloved daughter, sister, fiancé, friend and colleague, Tori is remembered for her Christian faith, leadership, warmth, laughter and extraordinary ability to make people around her feel valued.
Tori was born on October 9, 2002, and grew up in Friendswood, Texas. She was the daughter of Rusty and Melissa Burkett and the cherished younger sister of Zachary and Samantha.
According to information provided by her family, Tori’s death followed a battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer that develops in the outer layer of an adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are small glands located above the kidneys that produce hormones involved in functions including blood pressure, metabolism and the body’s response to stress.
Adrenocortical carcinoma can be functioning, meaning a tumor produces excess hormones, or nonfunctioning. Symptoms can vary and may include abdominal or back pain, a feeling of fullness, or changes associated with excess hormone production. Diagnosis and treatment depend on factors such as the tumor’s characteristics, stage and whether it can be completely removed.
A Life of Leadership at Texas A&M
Tori graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the Mays Business School. She remained at Texas A&M while pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management.
Her passion for helping people made human resources a natural professional path. She worked in the Human Resources Department at EOG Resources while continuing her graduate education.
Her influence was especially visible through her leadership at Texas A&M. Tori served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha Theta Gamma Chapter, where she led more than 300 women. She also held executive leadership positions within the organization and spent four years as a member of Texas A&M Diamond Darlings.
She participated in Mays Business Fellows, Fish Camp, 1879 Society Ambassadors and Texas A&M’s Society for Human Resource Management, among other organizations.
In 2025, she received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, recognizing students for outstanding leadership, involvement and commitment to the Aggie Spirit.
A Young Woman Who Made People Feel Special
Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Tori’s family remembers her most for the relationships she built.
She loved deeply, laughed often and had a natural ability to make people feel included. She was described by those close to her as fiercely loyal, generous and dependable.
Tori was engaged to Jake Kieffer, with whom she shared hopes and dreams for their future. Her family described their relationship as an important source of love and happiness in her life.
Her Christian faith also remained central to her identity. Her favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 41:10, a passage about God’s presence, strength and support.
Family and Loved Ones
Tori is survived by her parents, Rusty and Melissa Burkett; brother Zachary Burkett; sister Samantha Burkett Roa and Christian Roa; grandparents Ronny and Laurie Burkett and Ron and Judy Miller; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members.
She is also survived by her fiancé, Jake Kieffer; best friends Gayle Henderson and Kendal Girouard; and many friends and colleagues whose lives she touched.
Her beloved dogs, Cooper, Charly and Penny, and canine nephew Olsen, were also an important part of her life.
Visitation and Funeral Service
A visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.
The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at Friendswood Friends Church. A private burial will follow.
Tori’s family remembers her as a young woman who pursued her education, embraced leadership, invested in relationships and lived her faith with purpose.
Her legacy will continue through the people she loved, the communities she served, the friendships she formed and the countless memories she created during her 23 years.