Tony Donnell Jackson

On the 17th of January we lost a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, and a friend.

Tony Donnell Jackson was the eldest child of his beloved mother Claudine Randall. He was born in Granite, MD and raised in Catonsville, MD.

Tony was a man’s man. He loved sports, especially football. And as we all know, Tony was an avid Baltimore Ravens fan. His favorite hobby was fishing, which he loved to do whenever the chance. He also had a passion for cooking and loved to bring joy through his food.

Tony moved to Arizona where he spent the last 20 plus years. Like some of us, Tony didn’t follow the conventional path. His story is one of overcoming seemingly unbeatable odds. Overcoming his struggles in the streets, Tony became a man defined by the firm foundation and new life he built for himself and his family. But Tony never forgot where he came from. Through hard work and faith in God, Tony was able to become a role model and hand up for his people still wrestling with the street life.

Back in 2015, while still living his old lifestyle, Tony met the love of his life — his wife and best friend, Alysia Fite Jackson. Together, they created something out of nothing. They were engaged in February 2022 and joined in marriage on the 23rd of November, 2023. To say that Tony loved Alysia would be an understatement. He was a testament to what steadfast love, friendship, and forgiveness truly looks like.

On November 7th, 2023, Tony was diagnosed with advanced stage four pancreatic cancer. But there was no quit in Tony Jackson. He was without a doubt, a fighter. Fueled by the love and prayers of his family and friends, Tony courageously endured the severe pain of an unforgiving cancer and the effects of intense chemotherapy. And on January 17th, 2024, Tony was freed from his fight with cancer and went to be in the presence of the LORD.

Tony leaves to mourn his wife Alysia Jackson, Mother Claudine Randall, Mother-in-Law Linda, Son Martez Richards, Daughter Markia Richards, brothers Darren, Carlo and Billy, four Nephews and two Nieces, goddaughter (Stinker Butt), and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceeded in eternal rest by his Father Coleman Jackson, Sister Tanisha Randall, and Step-Father William Randall Jr.

Tony’s love was a bright light for so many. So for now, we carry his love and light in our hearts until we see him again.