Dion'ta "TANK" Jackson

Let the Life I Lived & Service I Give, Speak for Me

Dion’ta Laray Jackson, affectionally known as Tank, professionally known under his studio names as Big Tank, Phat Boi Fly and The Real Phat Mac was born on November 7, 1983 to the parentage of Dennis Mayberry and Judy (Jackson) Mayberry in Dallas, TX.  Tank was privileged to be loved by all his family on both the Mayberry and Jackson side and was reared up by his maternal grandparents, Leroy and Beatrice Jackson, who both proceeded him in death.

Big Tank attended the Dallas Independent School District and was a 2002 graduate of David W. Carter High School.  He was a star football player in high school where he played several positions including Center and Guard which afforded him a college scholarship to play for Oklahoma Christian College.  He later attended Texas Southern University in Houston, TX where he would perform in the popular, well-attended talent shows which became the start of his vocal career.  This newfound love of rap added to his already musically inclined talents as he started as a toddler banging on pots and pans in his mom’s kitchen. He soon became the backup and later lead drummer at his grandfather’s church, Parkside Church of God in Christ (now Greater Parkside Church, Inc.) which he played (or ‘beat’) the drums until the Lord call him home, 2 hours after church service ended on November 27, 2022.

Tank met a young lady at D. A. Hulcy Middle School by the name of Latoya Willis.  Although just acquaintances in middle school, they would go on to attend the same high school, David W. Carter, where Ms. Latoya asked Big Tank if she could become his locker buddy because she didn’t care for the person assigned to her.  Their ‘just friendship’ picked up in high school however they reconnected nearly 3 years after graduation when Big Tank noticed her getting off a bus in his neighborhood.  From there, their bond has been nothing short of a Godsend.  Their love for each other is remarkable.  They blended their families together in holy matrimony on May 12, 2012.

Tank was employed by Mapei where he loved working as a Dispatcher for the last 7 years.  He was a loyal, dedicated and dependable employee and respected by his peers and management.  Big Tank could be seen hitting the local stages in Texas where he rapped and chanted about God, Life, Faith, Love and Prosperity.  The same belief he shared in the gospel scene, he rapped about on the secular stages where he became well-known for his rhyme and lyrics.  Whether on the gospel scene or secular stages, Big Tank always displayed mad love to everyone, and his dedication to loyalty was unwavering.

He was proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents Beatrice and Leroy Jackson; Aunt Alice Brown; Uncles Kenneth Brown and Cornell Draper, Jr; Cousins: Sharae Jackson and Lee’Darius Robertson.

He lives to cherish his loves and hugs: His devoted wife Latoya Jackson; parents: Judy and Dennis Mayberry; children: A’nyia Betts, Da’Niya Jackson, Da’Metris Jackson, Da’Von Jackson; Grandparents: Phillis and Paul Hamilton, Bettye Jackson; Sisters: Chantrai Mayberry, Kie’undra Mayberry, Jasmine Willis (Danterry); Grandchildren: A’ryia Daniels and DaMyria Freeney; Aunts: Jeanette Henson, Rose Jackson (Charles), Debette Draper-Britton (Deon), Lisa Lacy and Chelle Moore; Uncles Jerry Jackson and Ivan Draper (Angela); Special Aunt Miranda Luckey (Michael); 10 nieces, a host cousins, God Sisters & Brothers, Family, Extended-Family, Friends and Artists.