Shari Jordan’s life took a dramatic turn when she became entangled in a chilling narrative that blurred the lines between the ordinary and the macabre. Married to Lionel Dahmer, Shari found herself confronted with unsettling truths within the confines of their family home, bearing witness to the eerie events that unfolded before her eyes.
Her narrative reveals a path full of unforeseen turns, as she transforms from a disinterested bystander to an unintentional player in the terrifying life story of Jeffrey Dahmer—one of the most infamous serial killers in history.
Early Life
Shari Jordan entered the world on May 8, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, a bustling city nestled in the northeastern region of the United States. Raised by her loving parents, Howard M. and Olive Jean Miller, Shari experienced a childhood filled with joy and warmth until she embarked on her journey of matrimony with Lionel Dahmer.
Shari Jordan’s Professional Life
Details regarding Jordan’s professional endeavors remain scarce. However, during a significant interview on Larry King Live in 2004, Jordan shared her unique perspective on carrying the Dahmer name. In contrast to her son David’s views, whom she shares with Lionel Dahmer, Jordan expressed a sense of pride associated with the surname.
She revealed her use of the Dahmer name in her business-related activities, despite the infamous reputation linked to her stepson’s actions. This suggests that Jordan persevered in her career pursuits, navigating the complexities associated with her familial background.
Shari Jordan’s Husband
Shari is married to Lionel Herbert Dahmer, more commonly known as Lionel Dahmer. Their family faced profound tragedy due to the disturbing actions of their eldest child, leading Lionel to be labeled as the “Father of a serial killer.” Born on July 29, 1936, to Herbert Walter Dahmer and Catherine Jemima Hughes, Lionel’s life took a sorrowful turn due to their son’s actions.
Lionel embarked on his educational journey at Marquette University, where he focused on chemistry. Through his dedication and perseverance, he successfully completed his studies and ventured into a distinguished career as a research chemist. His familial roots can be traced back to German and Welsh heritage.
Despite the haunting memories associated with his son Jeffrey’s crimes, Lionel Dahmer, now 86 years old as of 2023, continues to persevere. He remains visible through television interviews, utilizing these platforms to share insights and emphasize the crucial importance of understanding the reasons behind why following the path of a serial killer like Jeffrey should be unequivocally avoided.
Lionel Dahmer’s initial union with Joyce Dahmer
In the early years of his career, Lionel found love and companionship with Joyce Annette Dahmer, formerly known as Joyce Flint. Joyce dedicated herself to teaching teletype machines, excelling in her profession. Her family background included Norwegian and Irish heritage, reflecting her diverse roots.
The marriage between Lionel and Joyce brought them years of happiness. They welcomed their first son on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Jeffrey Dahmer came into the world in the vibrant city of Milwaukee.
Expanding their family, Lionel and Joyce celebrated the birth of their second son on December 18, 1966. They named him “David Dahmer,” and he became a cherished part of their lives in Doylestown, Ohio, USA.
Lionel Dahmer’s union with Shari Jordan
After divorcing Joyce in 1978, Lionel Dahmer embarked on a new chapter by marrying Shari Jordan later that same year. Shari embraced her new role within the family by adopting the Dahmer surname, signifying her commitment to being a part of Lionel’s life.
When Lionel was granted custody of Jeffrey Dahmer by the court, both Lionel and Shari took on the responsibility of being step-parents to Jeffrey. The household now consisted of Lionel, Shari, and Jeffrey, residing together following Lionel’s marriage to Shari. Shari remained a devoted spouse to Lionel until her eventual passing.
Despite their marriage, Lionel and Shari did not have any additional children, maintaining the family size as it was during this phase of their lives.
Divorce
As time went on, Joyce faced battles with depression, which significantly impacted the family dynamics. Her emotional struggles led to heightened tensions between Lionel and Jeffrey, placing strains on their relationships and daily interactions. Unfortunately, this tense atmosphere deeply affected Jeffrey’s development and behavior.
At the age of 18, Jeffrey, along with his younger brother David, who was 12 at the time, faced a difficult decision when Lionel and Joyce’s conflicts became unbearable. The escalating tensions prompted them to separate, and their divorce was finalized on July 24, 1978. In the legal proceedings, Joyce was granted custody of their younger son, David, while Lionel obtained custody of Jeffrey Dahmer.
Following the divorce, Joyce sought solace in a second marriage, hoping to embark on a new chapter in her life. Despite her efforts, challenges persisted, and tragically, Joyce passed away in the year 2000.
Shari Dahmer’s Stepson
Shari Jordan entered into marriage with Lionel Dahmer, thus becoming stepmother to Jeffrey Dahmer, a figure infamous as one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey perpetrated 17 murders and participated in acts of cannibalism. His biological mother, Joyce Dahmer, passed away in 2000, while his stepbrother, David Dahmer, remains alive. Jeffrey met his demise in prison, where he tragically became a victim of another inmate, Christopher Scarver.
What deeds were carried out by Shari Jordan’s stepson?
Shari’s stepson, Jeffrey Dahmer, emerged as the elder of Lionel and Joyce’s two sons, entering the world on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, his actions garnered widespread attention. On July 22, 1991, Milwaukee law enforcement detained him after he enticed Tracy Edwards from a bar, unveiling his sinister intentions for that evening.
During the investigation of his residence, authorities stumbled upon disturbing evidence. Among the findings were four heads discovered in his kitchen and seven skulls in his bedroom—some adorned with paint, others bleached. Moreover, plastic bags contained two human hearts and a section of arm muscle meticulously arranged on shelves.
Upon his apprehension, Jeffrey confessed to the slayings of seventeen individuals and the dismemberment of their remains between 1978 and 1991. His macabre actions included acts of cannibalism, necrophilia, and the preservation of body parts—particularly skeletal remains.
Despite being diagnosed with psychotic disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder, Jeffrey was deemed fit to stand trial. On February 17, 1992, he received a conviction for sixteen murders in Wisconsin, resulting in fifteen life sentences.
Tragically, Jeffrey met a violent end while serving his term. On November 28, 1994, he suffered a fatal assault at the hands of fellow inmate Christopher Scarver.
What remarks or statements has Shari Dahmer made concerning Jeffrey?
In a widely discussed appearance on Larry King Live in 2004, Shari and Lionel openly discussed their son Jeffrey’s situation.
Despite Jeffrey’s incarceration, they kept in touch with him, acknowledging that “a part of his spirit had faded long ago.” They highlighted his struggles with mental health issues.
Shari explained her reason for going on television, aiming to prevent the emergence of individuals similar to Jeffrey. Understanding his motivations, she stressed, was crucial to preventing future tragedies.
Unlike her stepson David’s decision, Shari expressed pride in the family name and opted not to sever ties. She embraced the name even professionally, asserting that there was no need to hide her identity, and insisted that their actions were not mistaken.
Lionel expanded on these feelings in a subsequent interview with Dr. Phil in November 2022. He admitted finding it initially challenging to comprehend how Jeffrey ended up engaging in such extreme behaviors. While acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes, he emphasized that Jeffrey’s actions were exceptionally extreme, posing a challenge to his understanding.
Tragically, Jeffrey Dahmer met a violent end at the Columbia Correctional Institution, where another inmate named Christopher Scarver fatally assaulted him. Jeffrey passed away at the Portage, Wisconsin prison on November 28, 1994, at the age of 34.
Impact on Shari Jordan’s daily life:
Shari Jordan first encountered Jeffrey Dahmer at his biological mother’s residence. Following his parents’ divorce, Jeffrey seemed profoundly affected, eventually leading to his notorious behaviors. Jeffrey Dahmer’s case was portrayed in a series, involving individuals associated with Dahmer’s family in real life, including neighbors.
However, these individuals expressed dissatisfaction, stating that their personal lives were depicted without consent. Additionally, Shari had connections in the business world, and her affiliation with the Dahmer family might have subjected her to substantial criticism. She chose not to distance herself by retaining the Dahmer surname, unlike her son David’s choice.
Both Shari and Jeffrey’s father, Lionel, made appearances on Larry King Live
Shari and Lionel appeared together on Larry King Live in 2004, a decade after Jeffrey’s death in prison, sharing their journey of raising the convicted murderer. When questioned about their decision to participate, they expressed a desire to offer support to others. Shari stressed, “Any effort to prevent another situation like Jeffrey’s would be invaluable. It’s a constant challenge; reminders are ever-present.”
Shari emphasized her decision to retain the Dahmer surname despite her association with Jeffrey. “I’m sticking with my name. I’ve used it professionally and will keep doing so. There’s no need for me to conceal who I am. We haven’t committed any wrongdoing,” she affirmed.
Death of Shari Jordan
In 2012, at the age of 58, Shari Jordan’s journey on this earth reached its conclusion. She peacefully departed, enveloped in the love of her dear ones, encompassing her five biological grandchildren, within the comforting embrace of her daughter’s abode.
Her legacy lives on through the cherished moments shared with her loved ones and the unwavering support she bestowed upon her family. May she find eternal rest, leaving behind a tapestry of fond memories for those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
Jeffrey Dahmer’s maternal grandmother
Catherine Dahmer played a notable role in Jeffrey Dahmer’s life, particularly during the early stages of his notorious actions. After his discharge from the army, Jeffrey moved to his grandmother’s residence with the expectation of finding solace and direction. However, tragically, it was within the confines of her home that Jeffrey committed his first three murders, defying the hopes for positive change.
A television series featuring Shari Jordan that draws inspiration from her stepson’s life
As Jeffrey Dahmer’s stepmother, Shari felt deeply connected to the troubled journey he embarked on, whether through direct involvement or indirectly witnessing the events unfold. The tumultuous and unsettling aspects of Dahmer’s life served as the inspiration for a Netflix series titled “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” Actress Molly Ringwald notably depicted Shari’s character as his stepmother in this dramatized retelling of the events.
Has Lionel Dahmer written any books detailing his and Jeffrey’s lives?
Lionel has faced profound challenges throughout his life, prompting him to share his experiences through written narratives that offer insights into his journey. He penned two notable books that provide a window into his tumultuous experiences:
“A Father’s Story” (1994):
In his initial book, Lionel candidly shares his remarkable journey, delving into the emotional turmoil he grappled with upon learning of Jeffrey’s shocking crimes. He navigates the overwhelming denial he faced and offers glimpses into the intricate emotions he experienced during Jeffrey’s trial.
“Father’s Story A Pbp” (2021):
This more recent publication serves as a continuation of his earlier work, offering a deeper perspective on Lionel’s life. Here, he delves further into the complexities of “Raising a Serial Killer,” providing additional insights into the challenges, emotions, and reflections that have shaped his unique journey.
Through these books, Lionel provides personal and intimate accounts, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of his perspective and the profound impact of the circumstances he has encountered.
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Final Words
After Shari Jordan wed Lionel Dahmer, the father of infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, her life drastically changed. Shari was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 8, 1953. She was raised in a lovely home before becoming caught in a terrifying story. After getting married to Lionel in 1978, Shari took on the Dahmer last name and assimilated into the family, despite the disturbing details of Jeffrey’s misdeeds coming to light.
Despite the infamous reputation, Shari maintained pride in the Dahmer name, using it in her business pursuits. She passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering support for her family.
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