Lucas County finalizes its first adoption by same-sex couple

Joann Jakeway, left, and her wife Gina Jakeway, right, in the courtroom of Lucas County Probate Court Judge Jack Puffenberger with their 6-month-old baby girl named Devyn.

The first adoption by a same-sex couple in Lucas County – and perhaps in Ohio – was finalized this morning by Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger.

With her 19-month-old brother, Kayn, by her side, 6-month old Devyn Jakeway was officially named the daughter of Gina and Joann Jakeway of Toledo.

The Jakeways were married in New York in October and had been serving as foster parents to Devyn since her birth in January.

“The court finds that this adoption is in the best interest of the minor being adopted,” the judge said. “Therefore the court orders that the petition for adoption be granted and the court orders the name of the minor be changed to Devyn Kerri Jakeway, the full name by which she shall be known hereafter.”

PHOTO GALLERY: Click for more photos from today’s adoption

Family members and friends gathered for the adoption applauded. Devyn slept right through it.

Gina said afterward that she was holding back tears as the judge read the words that made Devyn hers and her wife’s. In April – before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal nationwide – Joann adopted Kayn as a single parent because their marriage was not recognized by the court.

The couple said they hope to adopt more children and to inspire others to adopt children in need of families.

“We definitely need more [adoptive] homes in Lucas County,” Gina said.