Her stepfather sent her across the street to buy a soda while he ran an errand inside the bank. Fifteen minutes later, she was gone.
Who Was Sherry
Sherry Lynn Marler, born August 18, 1971, lived with her mother, Betty, and stepfather, Ray Stringfellow, on a 400-acre farm outside Greenville, Alabama. Known as "Little Farmer" for her love of outdoor and farm work, she was described by her mother as a cheerful tomboy who was close with her family.
The Disappearance
On the morning of June 6, 1984, Sherry accompanied Ray into Greenville while he handled a loan at First National Bank. She stayed outside, and Ray gave her a dollar to buy a soda from a vending machine at a gas station across the street, telling her to meet him back at his truck. When he returned about 15 minutes later, she was gone.
The Investigation
An extensive air and ground search turned up no trace of Sherry. Investigators initially focused on Ray, as the last person known to have seen her, though both he and Betty maintained his innocence and disputed the idea that she had run away, describing her as physically strong and unlikely to be taken by force without a struggle. Local police noted that a stranger would likely have been noticed in the close-knit community, complicating theories of a random abduction.
Reported Sightings
In the days and years following her disappearance, several unconfirmed sightings were reported of a girl matching Sherry's description in the company of an older man, including one where she reportedly referred to him as "B.J." None of these sightings, including one reported as far away as New Orleans, has ever been confirmed. A 1986 television appeal for information generated further unconfirmed tips from across the country.
Unverified Claims
In recent years, an amateur online researcher has publicized extensive and highly specific claims about Sherry's fate, including allegations involving a named deceased individual and a photograph purportedly showing human remains. These claims have not been independently corroborated by law enforcement or verified through any other source, and we are not repeating their specifics here. Readers should treat unverified claims circulating online about this case with significant caution.
Where the Case Stands
All of Sherry's family members, including her biological father, were investigated and cleared over the years. Her case remains open and unsolved, and her family has continued to seek information and raise awareness about missing children in her memory.
FAQ
Has Sherry Lynn Marler ever been found?
No. She has never been located, and her case remains officially unsolved.
Was her stepfather ever charged?
No. He was investigated as the last person to see her but was never charged, and he denied any involvement until his death in 2003.
Are the claims circulating online about this case verified?
No. Some detailed claims have circulated from an amateur researcher's social media page, but they have not been independently corroborated by law enforcement.