Bravery, Heartbreak, and Forgiveness: The Dawn Smith Jordan Story

‘Zone 7’ with Sheryl ‘Mac’ McCollum

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum speaks with Dawn Smith Jordan about the tragic loss of her sister,

Shari Smith. Sheryl and Dawn discuss Dawn’s journey through unimaginable loss, resilience, and faith. Dawn recounts the horrific events surrounding the abduction and murder of her 17-year-old sister, Shari Smith, in 1985.

Ultimately, Dawn provides insight into how she and her family used Shari’s letter to find strength in their faith and view each day as a sign of purpose, living life to the fullest even after experiencing the darkest and most unimaginable event.

Seventeen-year-old Shari Faye Smith was kidnapped in broad daylight from outside her family’s home in Red Bank in May 1985. Less than two weeks later, on June 14, the abductor snatched a 9-year-old girl from outside her family’s mobile home in Richland County and later killed her.

Dawn Smith Jordan is a speaker, author, singer, and former Miss South Carolina. She is a simple Southern woman passionate about sharing the message of hope that God has written into her life with a world desperate to hear it. She considers every opportunity a divine appointment, whether it’s a small country congregation or a large auditorium. Dawn uses her platform to share a message of hope and faith, inspiring audiences with her family’s story of resilience.

Learn more about Dawn’s work at her website and on Instagram @dawndsj.