Who Was Shari Jordan? Lionel Dahmer’s Wife and Stepmother to Jeffrey Dahmer

Shari Jordan may not be a name that rings a bell for everyone, but her life became connected to one of history’s most unsettling stories. As the second wife of Lionel Dahmer and the stepmother of Jeffrey Dahmer, Shari’s life took a turn into the extraordinary. Her journey shows us how ordinary people can find themselves caught in the middle of extraordinary circumstances.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Shari Jordan’s life, her role in the Dahmer family, and the challenges she faced. Let’s dive in and explore her story.

Shari Jordan’s Early Life

Before her name became linked to the Dahmer family, Shari Jordan lived a relatively private life. Born in the early 1950s, she grew up in an era defined by simplicity, where life revolved around family and community. Unfortunately, not much is publicly documented about her childhood or early years, but like most women of her time, she likely dreamed of a quiet, happy life.

Shari’s upbringing shaped her into a strong and compassionate individual. These qualities would later play an important role when she became a stepmother to Jeffrey Dahmer and a mother to her own child. While her early life didn’t grab headlines, it’s essential to understand that Shari was just an everyday woman before her life took a dramatic turn.

When Shari met Lionel Dahmer, she probably never imagined the challenges she would face. Let’s move forward to the point where her life changed forever.

How Shari Met Lionel Dahmer?

Shari met Lionel Dahmer in the late 1970s, during a period when Lionel was trying to rebuild his life after a difficult divorce. Lionel, a chemist by profession, had recently separated from Joyce Dahmer, Jeffrey Dahmer’s mother. This was a tough time for Lionel, as he was left to deal with the aftermath of the divorce and raising his troubled son, Jeffrey.

Shari and Lionel got married in 1978, and she quickly stepped into her new role as his partner and Jeffrey’s stepmother. Their relationship was built on mutual support, and Shari brought warmth and stability into Lionel’s life. The couple’s marriage marked a fresh start for Lionel, and Shari seemed ready to embrace her new life as part of the Dahmer family.

However, little did she know that marrying Lionel would connect her to one of the darkest chapters in American criminal history.

Shari’s Life as Jeffrey Dahmer’s Stepmother

Becoming a stepmother is never easy, but imagine stepping into a family where your new stepson has a deeply troubled past. That’s what Shari Jordan faced when she married Lionel Dahmer. At the time, Jeffrey was a young man struggling with mental health issues and a growing sense of isolation.

While Shari entered the picture after Jeffrey’s childhood, she tried to offer him a stable and supportive environment. Unfortunately, by the time she became his stepmother, Jeffrey’s disturbing behaviors had already started to develop. Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey would go on to commit 17 horrific murders, making him one of America’s most infamous serial killers.

Shari once publicly spoke about how she and Lionel had no idea what Jeffrey was capable of. Like many parents, they believed he needed help but could never have imagined the extent of his crimes. Despite the unimaginable, Shari remained a steadfast supporter of her husband during this challenging time.

Living in the Dahmer Family

Life in the Dahmer family wasn’t easy for Shari, especially as the truth about Jeffrey’s actions came to light. The media frenzy surrounding the Dahmer name brought immense pressure and scrutiny. People wanted answers, and the family found themselves at the center of an overwhelming storm.

During these difficult years, Shari became Lionel’s rock. She stood by him as he tried to process his son’s crimes and participated in interviews to help share their side of the story. Together, they worked to maintain some semblance of normalcy, even as their family name became infamous worldwide.

Despite everything, Shari managed to stay strong for her family. She focused on raising their son, David Dahmer, and supported Lionel through his public appearances and the writing of his book, A Father’s Story.

Shari and Lionel’s Son, David Dahmer

One of the lesser-known members of the Dahmer family is David Dahmer, the son of Lionel and Shari. Born after Lionel’s first marriage, David grew up as Jeffrey Dahmer’s younger stepbrother. However, unlike Jeffrey, David chose a life far from the public eye.

David eventually changed his name and disappeared from the public spotlight to live a private, peaceful life. Shari supported David’s decision, understanding his need for privacy after the media attention their family had endured. As a mother, she always tried to protect her children, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

David’s story reminds us that, even in the shadow of tragedy, people can choose to forge their own paths.

Shari’s Thoughts About Jeffrey Dahmer

Over the years, Shari has shared her thoughts about Jeffrey in a few interviews. She believed that Jeffrey’s actions were a result of deep mental health issues that were never properly addressed. In a 2004 interview on Larry King Live, Shari and Lionel spoke about how they stayed in contact with Jeffrey while he was in prison.

Shari expressed her hope that understanding Jeffrey’s actions could help prevent similar tragedies in the future. She wanted to shed light on the importance of mental health and how untreated issues can spiral out of control. Despite the pain Jeffrey’s actions caused, Shari remained committed to raising awareness and supporting Lionel through his efforts to tell their story.

How Shari Lived After Jeffrey’s Arrest

After Jeffrey’s arrest and subsequent conviction, Shari and Lionel tried to move on with their lives. They lived quietly, focusing on their family and finding peace away from the public eye. While Lionel continued to speak publicly about Jeffrey’s life, Shari preferred to stay in the background, supporting her husband and family.

The couple’s strength during these years is a testament to their resilience. Even with the weight of public judgment, Shari found ways to maintain a sense of normalcy and support the people she loved.

Shari Jordan’s Final Years and Passing

Shari Jordan passed away in 2012 at the age of 58. Her death was peaceful, surrounded by her loved ones, including her grandchildren, at her daughter’s home. Despite the challenges she faced in life, Shari’s family remembers her as a loving mother and grandmother who always put her family first.

Her passing marked the end of a chapter for the Dahmer family, but her legacy lives on in the strength and compassion she showed throughout her life.

Remembering Shari Jordan

Shari Jordan’s story is one of resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable challenges. As Lionel Dahmer’s wife and Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother, she found herself in the middle of a story that shocked the world. Yet, through it all, she remained a loving partner, mother, and grandmother.

Her life reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is strength in family and the ability to move forward. While the Dahmer name may be tied to tragedy, Shari’s legacy is one of quiet courage and unwavering love.

(FAQs)

Did Shari Jordan know about Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes before his arrest?

No, Shari Jordan and Lionel Dahmer had no idea about Jeffrey’s horrific crimes until he was arrested in 1991. They believed he had mental health struggles but never suspected the extent of his actions.

How did Shari Jordan handle being Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother?

Shari tried to provide a stable environment for Jeffrey but faced immense challenges due to his troubled behavior. Despite the horrors that later came to light, she stood by her husband, Lionel, and supported the family during difficult times.

Why did Shari Jordan’s son, David Dahmer, change his name?

David Dahmer, Shari and Lionel’s biological son, changed his name to escape the notoriety and media attention associated with the Dahmer family. He has since lived a private life, completely avoiding the public eye.

Did Shari Jordan stay in contact with Jeffrey Dahmer after his arrest?

Yes, Shari and Lionel maintained contact with Jeffrey while he was in prison. They believed he suffered from untreated mental illness and wanted to offer him support despite his crimes.

What was Shari Jordan’s reaction to the public scrutiny of the Dahmer family?

Although the Dahmer name became infamous worldwide, Shari remained strong and supportive of her family. Unlike her stepson David, who distanced himself from the family name, Shari continued to carry it with pride and focus on spreading awareness about mental health.

People also read, Eve Elba: The Inspiring Mother Behind Idris Elba’s Success