Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home was established in 2017, and serving families has always been our focus. We take pride in being able to guide people through some of their most difficult days. We take pride in maintaining a setting that allows people to find solace. Celebrating life is our mission. That’s never changed. And with pride, it never will.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
LeRoy Briones
Owner/Funeral Director
Mr. Briones attended and graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 2003 where he served as Class President. During his apprenticeship he worked at the Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas. He was awarded the Bill Pierce Award for Service over Self, received perfect attendance and the Academic Achievement Seals.
After finishing mortuary college, LeRoy worked for the Sunset Funeral Homes, in El Paso and Del Rio (Sunset Memorial Oaks), for over 15 years, as well as one year at the Kastor-Maxon & Futrell funeral home.
He soon realized his dream to one day own and operate his own funeral home and opened Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home in Uvalde, Texas in December 2017.
He is a member of the Uvalde Rotary Club, the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, perish member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and is a past President of the TFDA’s 8th region, the El Paso Funeral Directors Association.
Giving back to the community is an essential part of LeRoy’s foundation to serve and his everyday mission. Organizing an annual Easter Egg Hunt, he created the Hillcrest Golf Tournament which has been ongoing for the last 4 years, the Brackettville High School Scholarship Fund, annual Trunk or Treat events and blessing the community with Turkeys during Thanksgiving every year.
LeRoy is married to Nelly Briones, and they are the proud parents of: Andrew Joel Briones, Sadie Renee Briones, LeaBella Nynel Briones, LeRoy Briones Jr., Laylee Isabella Briones, and LeAnna Larilee Briones.
LeRoy proudly serves the Uvalde and surrounding communities with pride, honor and with the utmost professionalism.
Nelly Briones
Office Manager
Lupe Nolasco
Funeral Director Apprentice
Bethany Mierlez
Office Secretary
Bethany is the proud mother of Benjamin & Marisela Tomasini, Everly Tomasini, Blakelyn Tomasini, Waylon Tex Tomasini, Andrea Gutierrez, Norby Gutierrez Jr. and Brianna Rylee Rodriguez.
LeRoy "Papo" Briones Jr.
Funeral Director
Belinda Vasquez
Funeral Attendant
Cordi Mendeke
Pre-Arrange Specialist-Monuments/Brackettville Office
Monica Saiz Martinez
Pre-Arrangement Director
Monica Saiz-Martinez is a long time resident of Knippa, Tx, yet was born and raised down the road in Uvalde. She considers both her home. Monica has been in the Funeral pre-arranging business since 2010 in which she has served many families in Uvalde and in the surrounding areas. Mrs. Saiz-Martinez joined the Hillcrest Memorial Funeral home team in March of 2021. She holds a professional sales agent license and is fully equipped and trained in the pre-need and aftercare Funeral business. Monica prides herself in serving our families in our community with care and compassion. Aside from serving in the workplace, she serves our community in Ministry and volunteer work alongside her husband and family. Their Ministry stretches past the US Mexican border to Piedras Negras Coahuila and Nava. They are also active members of Trintiy Fellowship Church in Uvalde.
Monica and her Husband, Joe are the proud parents of a big blended family, Sarah, Xavier, Jose, Aidan, Gabriel, Matthew, and Emily. Not forgetting, but including, 5 beautiful Dobermans that keep their home safe.
Monica and her husband actively volunteer and attend the many sporting events their children participate in at Knippa School. However, in their home they bleed both Purple and Maroon, loud and proud Knippa Rockcrusher and Uvalde Coyote fans.
Monica’s ultimate goal is to so serve families and our community with care and compassion, to have you walk in our doors as a stranger and walk out as a friend.
Ana Almaraz
Marketing/Pre-Arranged Specialist
Gilbert Limones
Funeral Attendent
Explore Our Location
See where we are located.