Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

The Life of Shari Jordan: From Stepmother to Notorious Serial Killer

Shari Jordan

Many people want to understand how someone can become a criminal. They look for reasons in their childhood or their family life. Today, we talk about Shari Jordan, who married Lionel Dahmer and became the stepmother of one of the most known criminals, Jeffrey Dahmer.

She entered a family with dark secrets.

Shari Jordan tried to be a good mother figure to Jeffrey, treating him as if he were her own child. Despite her efforts and love, the story took a tragic turn. This article will show you how Shari lived through these hard times and what she did to try and make things right after everything came out about Jeffrey.

Keep reading to learn more about her life’s journey.

Early Life of Shari Jordan

Shari Jordan grew up in a quiet neighborhood. She had dreams like any other girl, but life took her on an unexpected journey. Her path crossed with Lionel Dahmer’s in 1978, and they tied the knot, making her stepmom to his two sons from a previous marriage.

Shari stepped into this role with hopes of nurturing and guiding them.

Spending time with Jeffrey and David became part of her daily life. She saw something special in Jeffrey—describing him as “vulnerable.” Shari wanted to give him the motherly love he needed.

Despite her efforts, challenges surfaced. She noticed Jeffrey’s struggle with alcohol at a young age. Concerned, she frequently visited their home—always finding it eerily spotless—a contrast that puzzled her deeply.

Shari Jordan: The Stepmother of Jeffrey Dahmer

Shari Jordan

In 1978, life took a notable turn for Shari Jordan when she married Lionel Dahmer. This marriage made her the stepmother to Jeffrey Dahmer, later known as the Milwaukee Cannibal—a man whose crimes shocked the world.

Shari stepped into her new role with an open heart, aiming to provide care and support. She saw Jeffrey as someone in need of motherly love, especially after his struggles with his parents’ split.

Her efforts to connect with Jeffrey painted a picture of a family trying to hold together amidst challenges. Despite the ominous shadow that Jeffrey’s actions had cast, Shari and Lionel remained steadfast in their support during his trial and kept paying him visits in jail.

They believed he suffered from mental illness that led him down his destructive path. Their story is one of conflicted feelings—love mingled with despondency over unfathomable acts committed by someone they tried to steer toward a better future. Additionally, you can also read about Story of Angel Dugard.

Shari Jordan’s Relationship with Lionel Dahmer

Shari Jordan married Lionel Dahmer, and their life together grabbed attention. Dive into their story to learn more!

The Marriage of Shari and Lionel Dahmer

Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer tied the knot in 1978. Their wedding brought Shari into a new role as stepmom to Jeffrey, who would later become known worldwide for his terrifying crimes.

Together, they faced challenges no parent should have to deal with.

Their union also brought happiness with the birth of their own son. Amidst the darkness that followed Jeffrey’s capture, Shari and Lionel stood united. They regularly made trips to visit him behind bars, showing a level of support despite his actions that many found hard to understand.

The Birth of Their Son

In 1978, the same year Jeffrey Dahmer was born, Lionel and Shari Jordan became his parents. This moment added a new member to their family. Their life together took a fresh turn with the arrival of their little one.

As time went on, they watched Jeffrey grow from a baby into a young man. They stood by him during his difficult times and made sure to visit him often while he was in jail. Their bond as a family faced many challenges but always remained strong.

Shari Jordan’s Reaction to Jeffrey Dahmer’s Notoriety

Shari Jordan stood shocked by Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes, sharing her thoughts on shows like Larry King Live and Dr. Phil. Learn more about her reactions and insights.

Shari’s Statements About Jeffrey Dahmer

Shari Jordan spoke about Jeffrey Dahmer with a mix of sadness and hope. She called him “vulnerable” and felt he needed mothering after his parents split up. Her words show she believed his troubled actions stemmed from deep hurt, not evil intent.

In interviews, like those on Dr. Phil or Larry King Live, Shari shared her wish to stop anyone else from turning into another Jeffery —a notorious murderer. She stood by him during the trial and visited him in prison, pointing to mental sickness as the cause of his crimes.

Shari Jordan’s Later Years

After Jeffrey Dahmer’s trial, Shari Jordan lived quietly. She stayed out of the public eye and kept her thoughts to herself.

Shari Jordan’s Life Post Jeffrey’s Conviction

Shari Jordan faced a tough road after Jeffrey Dahmer’s conviction. She and Lionel tried to lead normal lives but the shadow of the crimes was always present. They gave interviews, sharing their feelings about Jeffrey.

Shari wanted to stop others from going down his path. She hoped her words could change future outcomes.

Lionel passed away in December 2023 at 87 years old, leaving Shari to reflect on their years together and the tragedy that marked them forever. Despite the challenges, she spoke out against violence and promoted understanding mental health issues.

Her goal was clear—to prevent another tragedy like Jeffrey’s from happening again. Shari lived with this mission until her passing in January 2023 due to health complications.

You May Find Interest: Personal Life of Myles Jonathan Brando.

Shari Jordan’s Death

Shari Jordan left us on January 13, 2023. She faced health issues that led to her passing away. This sad event marked the end of her life story which had been full of ups and downs.

Her husband, Lionel Dahmer, followed her in death later that year on December 5. He was 87 years old. Their lives were deeply intertwined with heartbreak but also moments of togetherness until the very end.

Conclusion

The story of Shari Jordan touches on deep feelings of love, regret, and determination. She saw Jeffrey Dahmer not just as a stepson but also as someone in need of care. Despite her efforts to bring warmth into his life, his actions became dark tales that shook the world.

After Jeffrey’s imprisonment, she continued to support him, showing the complex nature of familial bonds. Her later years reflected a pledge to prevent future tragedies similar to what her family had endured.

Through it all, Shari’s story is a reminder of how closely joy and sorrow can be linked in our lives.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

low maintenance short natural haircuts for black females
5 Low Maintenance Short Natural Haircuts for Black Females
What is Claressa Shields' Boxing Record
What is Claressa Shields' Boxing Record? A Detailed Examination of her Career Stats and Achievements
How Much is Claressa Shields Worth
How Much is Claressa Shields Worth? A Deep Dive into the Boxer's Net Worth and Earnings
andy cohen net worth
Andy Cohen Net Worth: Find Out How He Became a Multi-Millionaire in 2025
Who is Claressa Shields' Mother
Who is Claressa Shields' Mother: The Untold Story of Her Family and Struggles

LIFESTYLE

summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?
why is my poinsettia dying
Why Is My Poinsettia Dying? Tips To Revive Your Wilting Poinsettia Plant
crypto retirement plan strategies
7 Ways Crypto Can Reshape Your Retirement Plan for the Future

Entertainment

andy cohen net worth
Andy Cohen Net Worth: Find Out How He Became a Multi-Millionaire in 2025
rihanna hinted pregnancy before met gala
Rihanna Hinted at Pregnancy Before Met Gala, Says Anna Wintour
Jules Ari
Jules Ari Age, Height, Relationship, Family, Biography, and Net Worth
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
smokey robinson sexual assault allegations
Smokey Robinson Faces Sexual Assault Allegations by 4 Women

GAMING

Best Mobile Horror Games
The Best Mobile Horror Games That Will Keep You Up at Night
Evolution of Video Game Graphics
The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: 1980s to 2025
Best Workouts Inspired by Video Games
Level Up Your Fitness: Best Video Game-Inspired Workouts
rocket league unblocked
Rocket League Unblocked: Soccer And Vehicular Mayhem Online Game
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023

BUSINESS

Business Behind Game Localization
The Business Behind Game Localization: How It Works
International Employment Agencies
How international employment agencies can help you find talent in hard-to-reach markets?
Transition Your Business to Web3
How to Transition Your Business to Web3 Successfully
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments
How to Calculate Quarterly Tax Payments in 5 Easy Steps
credit suisse tax evasion
Credit Suisse Fined $511M for U.S. Offshore Tax Evasion Scheme

TECHNOLOGY

bill gates accuses elon musk of harming poor children
Bill Gates Blames Elon Musk for Harming World's Poorest Children
interactive videos with AI voice
Guide for Making Interactive Videos with AI Voice
Maksym Krippa GSC Game World
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Reimagined: How Maksym Krippa’s Entry Reshaped GSC Game World in 2023
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Security Operations, CWPP, and Product Security
pitch a game idea
How to Pitch a Game Idea to a Developer or Publisher?

HEALTH

Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?
Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF
The Role of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in IVF with ICSI Success