Shari Jordan – Life, Age, Death, and Story of Jeffrey Dahmer’s
Shari Jordan, widely known as Shari Dahmer, was the stepmother of the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. She became known to the public after marrying Lionel Dahmer, Jeffrey’s father, in 1978. Though she had no connection to Jeffrey’s crimes, her life was deeply affected by them.
Shari stood by her husband during years of public scrutiny and emotional pain. She was known for her calm nature, strength, and compassion. In this article, we explore Shari Jordan’s life, her relationship with the Dahmer family, her age, cause of death, and where she was in her final years.
Who Was Shari Jordan?
Shari Jordan, also known as Shari Dahmer, was the second wife of Lionel Dahmer, the father of the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. She became widely known because of her marriage to Lionel and her role as Jeffrey’s stepmother. Shari was born on January 21, 1941, in the United States. Her life changed dramatically after marrying into the Dahmer family.
She was known for being calm, understanding, and supportive of Lionel through the difficult years that followed Jeffrey’s arrest and conviction. Though not directly involved in any crimes, her name became forever connected to one of the most tragic criminal stories in American history.
Early Life and Marriage
Very little information is available about Shari Jordan’s childhood and early education. Before marrying Lionel Dahmer, she lived a private life away from media attention. In 1978, she married Lionel Dahmer after his divorce from his first wife, Joyce Flint. Lionel and Shari began a new chapter together in Ohio.
Through this marriage, Shari became the stepmother of Jeffrey and David Dahmer. At that time, Jeffrey was already an adult and living on his own. Shari and Lionel supported him emotionally, unaware of the dark secrets he was hiding.
Role as Jeffrey Dahmer’s Stepmother
Shari became part of the Dahmer family during a challenging period. She tried to build a normal family life despite the difficulties that came with Lionel’s past marriage and Jeffrey’s troubling behavior. Shari later said in interviews that she noticed something odd about Jeffrey but never imagined the extent of his crimes.
After Jeffrey’s arrest, Shari and Lionel faced intense public scrutiny. She stood by her husband and spoke publicly about their efforts to understand what went wrong. Shari was often seen as a voice of empathy and reflection. She believed that better mental health awareness could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Public Appearances and Interviews
After Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes came to light in 1991, the entire Dahmer family was thrust into the media spotlight. Shari and Lionel appeared in several television interviews and documentaries. They wanted to share their side of the story and address the pain caused by Jeffrey’s actions. Shari was calm and thoughtful in public discussions.
She expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families while also explaining how difficult it was to live with the stigma of the Dahmer name. She stated that she was proud to be a Dahmer because she loved her husband and had built a life with him. Shari often emphasized compassion, forgiveness, and understanding.
Life After Jeffrey Dahmer’s Death
After Jeffrey Dahmer was killed in prison in 1994, Shari and Lionel continued to live a quiet life in Ohio. They rarely spoke publicly but occasionally participated in documentaries to discuss the lasting effects of the tragedy. Shari became more private as years passed. She and Lionel focused on maintaining a peaceful life, away from the constant media attention.
Despite their connection to one of the most infamous criminals in history, they lived modestly and avoided controversy. Shari supported Lionel’s book “A Father’s Story,” which detailed his relationship with Jeffrey and the family’s emotional struggles.
Shari Jordan’s Age & Cause of Death

She was born in 1941 and lived into her early 80s. She passed away on January 13, 2023, in Seville, Ohio. Reports suggest that she died of natural causes, possibly related to heart complications. Her death marked the end of an era for the Dahmer family.
Many people noted that she remained loyal to her husband and family until her final days. Her passing was quiet, with no major public announcement. She was remembered as a kind, gentle woman who endured years of emotional pain but never sought attention or pity.
Is Shari Jordan Still Alive?
No, Shari Jordan is not alive. She died in January 2023 at the age of 81. For many years before her death, she lived privately in Ohio with Lionel. Her death came months before Lionel Dahmer’s passing in December 2023. Together, they had spent decades facing public judgment and personal sorrow but remained united as a couple.
Shari Jordan’s Legacy
Shari Jordan’s legacy is closely tied to her family name. She is remembered as a woman who handled unimaginable circumstances with grace and dignity. She never denied her connection to the Dahmer name and instead embraced it as part of her life’s story.
Many people respected her for her honesty, calmness, and compassion in interviews. She served as a reminder that even in the darkest situations, empathy and understanding can exist. Shari’s decision to stay beside Lionel showed her strength and loyalty. Her life represents how families connected to criminals also suffer silently behind the headlines.
Shari Jordan Now
Although Shari Jordan passed away, her story continues to interest people around the world. Viewers of documentaries and true crime shows often ask what happened to her and how she lived after Jeffrey’s death.
Her memory lives on through the interviews she gave and the dignity she maintained during difficult times. Shari’s quiet strength left a lasting impression on those who followed the Dahmer case. Even after her death, she is remembered as a figure of calmness and emotional resilience.
Conclusion
Shari Jordan lived a life of quiet strength and compassion. She never sought fame or attention, but her name became part of one of the most talked-about criminal cases in American history.
Despite the pain and judgment she faced, Shari remained loyal to her husband and her family. She handled the burden of the Dahmer name with dignity and courage. Her story shows that even in tragedy, there can be grace, understanding, and humanity.
