History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

Hillcrest Cemetery, located on Highway 544 in Conway, SC, was founded as a Perpetual Care Cemetery  in 1953 by  W.M. Goldfinch, Sr, W.M. Goldfinch, Jr. and G. Heyward Goldfinch, owners of Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway. 

The natural landscape was the inspiration for the name given to the 90 acre tract of land where small streams of running water bordered both ends of the property, meeting at the rear of the tract. The land crested in the middle of the tract and a large Southern Magnolia Tree was situated in the center of this crest. Thus the name Hillcrest Cemetery.

Originally, Hillcrest was licensed by the State of South Carolina for ground burials, mausoleum entombment and niche storage of cremated remains. Other special sections were also opened as the need arose in Horry County. A section was created for individual baby graves, appropriately named "Babyland", and another section was added exclusively for pets.  Over time, more special sections, such as a Veterans Section, have been added.

Hillcrest is always on the leading edge of new ideas, concepts, and level of care for a Perpetual Care Cemetery operation. The needs of the public are always in the forefront of planning.

Our facilities are meant to serve Horry County now and in the future, as Hillcrest is a special place for families in our community. We believe that the true value of what we do is found in helping families heal after the loss of a loved one by providing them a place where they can come to remember, reflect and honor the life lived.

Our Valued Staff

  • Meghan Goldfinch Hayden

    Meghan Goldfinch Hayden President/CEO

    A native of Conway, SC, Meghan is a 2006 graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a BA in Communication, a 2008 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Master's of Mass Communication, and a 2010 graduate of Boston University with an MS in Health Communication. Meghan currently resides in Conway with her Husband Seth. She has four step-children, Gabriel, Hannah, Bella, and Brooks. Meghan is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and First United Methodist Church, Conway. Her hobbies include fishing, reading, horseback riding, and spending time with family.

  • Sandra H. Martin

    Sandra H. Martin Office Manager

    A native of Rockledge, Fl, Sandra has been with Hillcrest since 2007. Prior to working at Hillcrest, she worked in accounting for 14 years. Sandra currently resides in Galivants Ferry with her husband Larry and is the mother of two children, Brittany and Kimberly. She is a member of Pisgah Methodist Church. Her hobbies include crocheting, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

  • Lynn Avecilla

    Lynn Avecilla Family Service/Sales Counselor

    A native of Pensacola, Fl, Lynn has been with Hillcrest since 2009. Lynn holds a South Carolina Insurance license. Prior to working at Hillcrest, she was at Beneficial Mortage Co. of South Carolina for 11 years. She currently resides in Conway, SC with her husband Johnny, and their daughter Chloe. Lynn is a member of Christ Community Church, and enjoys reading painting, and making memories with her family.

  • Robyn Jones

    Robyn Jones Family Service/Sales Counselor

    A native of Charlotte, NC, Robyn has been with Hillcrest since 2014. Prior to working at Hillcrest, she was in the insurance business for over 10 years. Robyn resides in Conway. She is the mother of 3 boys, Blake, Trey and Collin, who resides with Jesus now. She is a member of Langston Baptist Church. Her hobbies include fishing, hunting, reading and spending time with family and friends.

  • Stephanie E. Smith

    Stephanie E. Smith Administrative Assistant

    A native of Conway, Stephanie has been with Hillcrest since 2013. Prior to working at Hillcrest, she worked in finance for 28 years. She curently resides in Conway with her husband Merlin, a mother of two Lonnie Smith and Bethany Cox. Her hobbies include traveling, spending time with family.

  • Charles Sawyer

    Charles Sawyer Maintenance Staff

    A native of Horry County, Charles has been with Hillcrest since 2013. He resides in Andrews, SC with his wife Maggie and he has two children Collin and Ethan. His hobbies are fishing and following football.

  • Willie Eaddy

    Willie Eaddy Maintenance Staff

    A Conway native,Willie graduated from Conway High School in 1981. He currently lives in Conway and has worked with Hillcrest Cemetery, part time, since 2012.

  • John Spulka

    John Spulka Maintenance Staff

    John is a native of New York and currently lives in Murrells Inlet, SC. He is a musician in his spare time and enjoy's being outdoors.

  • David Skipper

    David Skipper Maintenance Staff

    David lives in Aynor, SC with his wife Kellie. He loves the outdoors, fishing and hunting are some of his favorite things to do.

  • Chris Cannon

    Chris Cannon Maintenance Staff

    A Conway, SC native, Chris graduated from Conway High School in 1981. He was in the US Air Force for 16 years and joined the Hillcrest Cemetery staff in 2018. Chris currently lives in Conway and has 2 daughters, 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. He enjoys fishing and traveling.

  • Blake Martin

    Blake Martin Maintenance Staff

    Blake is a native of Aynor, SC and a graduate of Aynor High School. He currently lives in Aynor with his wife Caitlin and daughter Kathrine Rae. Blake enjoys singing in the gospel group Glory Train and he also loves, spending time with his family and wrestling,