Teresa Buritica

Teresa Buritica was born on June 17, 1962, in Colombia to the late Leopoldo Buritica and Teresa Vera Murillo. During her time in Colombia, she found her calling in law and order where she received a full ride scholarship. She showed her determination and will by receiving her Juris Doctor while caring for two children. She eventually concentrated on criminal justice where she believed it was her job to represent, advocate, and defend the people accused with respect and fairness in their time of need at the attorney general’s office. Teresa began to find a new passion for teaching and spreading the knowledge she had acquired from her years of experience and gained a position of adjunct professor at Clemson University and University of South Carolina.

She continued to care and nurture all that were involved with her presence. To many, Teresa was known as the backbone of the family because of her upbeat and positive attitude towards life and willingness to put others above herself. Teresa was also known for her adventures around the world, ability to express her love of music through vibrant dance, and reading to submerge herself in knowledge.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her three children: Catalina Gaona-Buritica and husband Pablo Cruz and three grandchildren, Santiago, Martin, and Gabriel of Lubbock/Colombia, Roger Gaona-Buritica of Colombia, and Katie Mayon and partner Liviu Crowley of Lubbock.

A private visitation will be held for family from 9 AM to 10 AM on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Combest Family Memorial Chapel in Lubbock. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Combest Family Memorial Chapel in Lubbock. Final rites and interment will follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery.