Dylan Thomas Joyal-Cousin

Dylan Thomas Joyal-Cousin, age 20, of Smithville, OH, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 11, 2025. Born on May 22, 2005, Dylan brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and love to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. With his striking red hair, brilliant mind, ornery sense of humor, and a smile that could light up any room, Dylan made a lasting impact on the lives around him. Although completely disabled and wheelchair-bound, Dylan lived with a fierce and unforgettable spirit. He couldn't speak much, but he answered yes and no questions clearly, and he always found ways to make himself understood - especially to those who truly knew him. His opinions were strong, and he never let his voice go unheard.
Dylan loved the simple things that made him happiest: ice cream, Twizzlers, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. He was witty, sharp, and full of personality - a truly one-of-a-kind soul. Dylan's life was marked by resilience, sweetness, and a deep, unshakable bond with his family. Though his time here was far too short, his legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in all who knew him.
Dylan was born to Don and Tammy Miller. In 2016, he was adopted by Bethany Joyal (now Bethany Joyal-Cousin) and David Joyal. At the time of his passing, he was in the process of being lovingly adopted by his dad, Matthew Cousin, and would have become Dylan Thomas Joyal-Cousin.
He is survived by his biological siblings, Jeremy, Josh, Tanya, Shania, John, Ashley, Christopher, Donald and by his deeply loved adopted siblings: Emma, Josiah, Justice, James, Ella, Samuel, Selah, Isaiah, and Journey. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Charles Carson, and his adopted brothers, Noah and Joshua - who surely welcomed him with open arms.
Calling hours will be held on July 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N Court St, Medina, OH 44256. A Celebration of Dylan's Life will be held on July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wooster Nazarene, 3100 Oak Hill Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dylan's honor to A Kid Again, supporting children with disabilities and their families and continuing the legacy of joy he shared with the world, https://akidagain.org/chapter/northern-ohio-chapter/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb-website,
Or to Ronald McDonald House of Akron, where Dylan and his family spent so much time while Dylan received the care he needed at Akron Children's Hospital https://www.rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/donate/
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.waitefuneralhome.com.
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Waite Funeral Homes - Medina Chapel