With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mary Cheyenne Pitts Johnson, a beloved daughter and friend, who left this world unexpectedly, at the age of 43, on Sunday, March 15, at her home in Colorado.
Cheyenne was born to loving parents, Roger and Susan Pitts, and raised in Austin, Texas. In her younger years, Cheyenne showed a passion for leadership and service and was involved in many activities, participating in school sports to being active in the Student Council and serving as President of her class for several years; she was always striving to make a difference. She is remembered by her friends and family for her shining spirit and infectious laugh. Cheyenne’s childhood in the Lake Travis area was filled with happy memories and during this time, her love for live music and connection to nature grew and instilled in her a lifelong love of the Texas Hill Country and passion for conservation.
That early connection to the land grew into a calling. She studied Geography at the University of Texas, focusing on natural resource management, and went on to devote more than two decades to conservation and philanthropy. Her work helped preserve thousands of acres across Central Texas, much of which can now be experienced by the public along the Violet Crown Trail. She later continued her efforts in the Hill Country, and devoted several years to the Cibolo Center for Conservation where she played a meaningful role in creating the first nature-based preschool of its kind in Texas ~ an enduring gift to future generations. She was successful in having her Lake Travis home, Nine Oaks, designated as a wildlife habitat.
Cheyenne’s journey led her to Colorado, as she continued her work with organizations dedicated to preserving history, land, and waterways. In Colorado, Cheyenne built a strong community of friends, continuing to bring joy sharing her love of nature, and creating magic wherever she went. In every place she lived, she became a deeply respected and cherished member of the environmental community, leaving behind not only protected landscapes, but also lasting relationships and inspiration.
She is preceded in death by her mother and is lovingly remembered by her father and stepmother, Roger and Lisha Roark Pitts; stepsister, Ryan Leigh Roark; her devoted dog, Ernie, and a wide circle of family including aunt, Ann Davis; cousins, Jed (Alicia) Remaley, Kate Remaley (Jeremiah Dye); uncle, Bill (Cathy) Davis; cousins, Trevor Davis and Courtney Campbell, along with countless friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. Cheyenne was loved by many, and will always dance in our hearts and memories.
She lived with a fierce spirit and an unmistakable passion for life. Her energy was magnetic; her laughter unforgettable, and her love for music, nature, and people shone brightly in all she did. She had a way of illuminating the world around her, and that light will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Services and Celebrations of her life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hill Country Conservancy and the Cibolo Nature Center for Conservation/Herff farm.
This obituary was published by Austin American-Statesman.
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