Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger is the mother of beauty mogul Jeffree Star. Born in 1962, she worked as a model before becoming a single parent after her husband died in 1991. After a decade-long estrangement, she reunited with her son in 2017.
Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger lives a quiet life today. But her story touches millions through her son, beauty influencer Jeffree Star. Her path from struggling single mother to reconciled parent offers lessons about strength, forgiveness, and second chances.
Who Is Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger?
Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger was born on August 27, 1962, in California. She pursued modeling in her younger years, appearing in magazines and campaigns throughout the 1980s. Her career brought her into fashion circles in Los Angeles, where she met Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Sr.
The couple married on March 11, 1984, in Clark County, Nevada. They settled in Orange County to start their family. On November 15, 1985, they welcomed their only child, Jeffrey Lynn Steininger Jr., who would later become known as Jeffree Star.
Tragedy struck in November 1991 when Jeffrey Sr. died by suicide at age 31. Marra suddenly found herself a 29-year-old widow with a six-year-old son. She moved in with her parents to create stability for young Jeffree.
How Did Marra Influence Jeffree Star’s Career?
Marra’s modeling background planted the seeds for Jeffree’s future success. Her extensive makeup collection became young Jeffree’s playground. He spent hours experimenting with her cosmetics, learning techniques that would later define his career.
She supported his self-expression in ways many parents wouldn’t. When Jeffree wanted to wear makeup to school in junior high, Marra allowed it despite potential backlash. This acceptance proved crucial for his confidence and identity development.
Financial struggles marked their household, but Marra prioritized Jeffree’s needs. She worked multiple jobs to keep them afloat. Her determination showed Jeffree that success requires sacrifice and persistence.
What Happened Between Mother and Son?
Their relationship deteriorated after Jeffree’s high school graduation in 2002. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue makeup artistry and music. Distance created emotional gaps that widened over time.
Communication dwindled from weekly calls to annual texts. Personality clashes intensified during their rare meetings. By 2008, they stopped speaking entirely. The silence lasted ten years.
During this estrangement, Jeffree grew close to his uncle’s wife, Laurie Atchison. He publicly referred to her as his mother, posting about her on social media. Many fans believed Laurie was his biological parent.
When Did Marra and Jeffree Reconcile?
November 2017 marked the turning point. Jeffree obtained his mother’s phone number and called her. They spoke for hours, catching up on a decade of lost time.
The conversation revealed devastating news. Marra was homeless, living out of her car’s hatchback. She struggled with alcoholism and health problems. Years of hardship had taken their toll.
Jeffree immediately flew home from Hawaii. He found his mother in conditions he described as too horrific to detail publicly. That Christmas season became their moment of healing.
How Did Their Reunion Unfold?
Jeffree took immediate action to change his mother’s circumstances. He provided her with housing, giving her a real bed to sleep in for the first time in years. He arranged medical care to address her health issues.
Their reconciliation required emotional work beyond material support. Jeffree apologized for calling someone else his mother during their estrangement. They cried together, releasing years of pain and misunderstanding.
In 2018, Jeffree publicly acknowledged the truth in a YouTube video titled “Revealing My Last Dark Secrets.” He explained their complicated history and his commitment to rebuilding their bond. The video showed his vulnerability and desire for accountability.
What Challenges Did Marra Face as a Single Mother?
Raising a child alone after losing a spouse creates immense pressure. Marra juggled financial obligations with emotional support for a grieving child. Her parents helped, but primary responsibility fell on her shoulders.
Jeffree’s self-harm during high school added another layer of difficulty. He cut his body extensively, hiding the marks under long sleeves even in 90-degree weather. When Marra discovered the scars, their relationship suffered a new strain.
Financial instability forced tough choices. Despite working constantly, making ends meet remained a struggle. The stress of solo parenting without adequate resources weighs heavily over time.
Her own battles with alcoholism and depression worsened after their estrangement. Without her son in her life, she lost her primary motivation. The downward spiral eventually led to homelessness.
What Is Marra’s Life Like Today?
Marra now lives near Jeffree’s estate in Wyoming. He purchased property for her, ensuring she has stable housing and access to care. She maintains a private life away from social media attention.
Jeffree regularly posts about their time together, expressing gratitude for their restored relationship. In October 2020, he wished her happy birthday on social media, calling her “the toughest woman I know” and celebrating their reconnection.
Their bond continues to strengthen through consistent effort. Jeffree balances his demanding career with quality time with his mother. He shares moments of her smiling, noting how precious each interaction feels.
Why Does Marra’s Story Matter?
Marra’s journey resonates because family estrangement affects millions. According to research, approximately 27% of Americans report being estranged from a family member. Her story shows reconciliation remains possible even after years of silence.
Single mothers face unique challenges that society often overlooks. In the United States, 23% of children live with only their mother. These households frequently experience financial strain and limited support systems. Marra’s struggles mirror those of countless women raising children alone.
Her story also highlights how childhood trauma affects parent-child relationships. Jeffree’s unaddressed mental health issues created rifts neither knew how to bridge. Their reconciliation demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and understanding past pain.
What Lessons Can We Learn?
Pride and silence destroy relationships that could be saved. Marra and Jeffree lost ten years they can never recover. Reaching out, even after an extensive time apart, can open doors to healing.
Material success doesn’t automatically heal family wounds. Jeffree achieved massive wealth and fame, but those accomplishments felt hollow without his mother in his life. Relationships require intentional repair, not just financial resources.
Accepting help shows strength, not weakness. Marra’s willingness to accept her son’s support after years of struggle allowed their relationship to flourish. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is admit we need others.
Second chances exist for those willing to do the work. Both mother and son had to confront painful truths about their past. They chose vulnerability over defensiveness, creating space for genuine connection.
How Has Marra Shaped Jeffree’s Success?
Jeffree Star’s net worth reached approximately $200 million by 2023, primarily from Jeffree Star Cosmetics. This empire traces back to those childhood hours playing with his mother’s makeup. Her collection became his laboratory for developing skills that would generate millions.
Her acceptance of his identity gave him the confidence to pursue an unconventional career. Many people in the beauty industry face family rejection for not fitting traditional norms. Marra’s support, however imperfect their relationship became, provided the foundation for his authenticity.
The pain of their estrangement also fueled his ambition. Jeffree has spoken about using work to avoid confronting emotional issues. His relentless drive to succeed partly stemmed from unresolved family trauma.
Their reconciliation brought new depth to his content and brand. Jeffree became more open about mental health, family challenges, and the complexity of personal relationships. This vulnerability strengthened his connection with fans facing similar struggles.
What Does the Future Hold?
Marra maintains her privacy while enjoying proximity to her son. She appears occasionally in Jeffree’s social media posts, always with respect for her boundaries. Their relationship continues evolving as they build new memories together.
Jeffree’s commitment to her well-being remains unwavering. He canceled tours and adjusted business plans to prioritize family time. This shift demonstrates how reconciliation changed his values and priorities.
Their story continues inspiring others to mend broken family bonds. Countless people have shared how Jeffree’s transparency about his mother encouraged them to reach out to estranged relatives. The ripple effect of their reconciliation extends beyond their personal healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger still alive? Yes, Marra is alive and living near her son in Wyoming. Jeffree regularly updates fans about spending time with her and caring for her well-being.
What was Marra’s profession before becoming a full-time mother? Marra worked as a model during the 1980s, appearing in various magazines and advertising campaigns before focusing on raising Jeffree after her husband’s death.
How long were Marra and Jeffree Star estranged? They were estranged for approximately ten years, from 2008 until November 2017, when Jeffree reached out and they began reconciling.
The Power of Redemption
Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger’s story proves that broken relationships can be repaired with courage, humility, and commitment. Her path from struggling single mother to homeless woman to reconciled parent demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit.
Her influence on one of beauty’s biggest names started with simple acceptance. She let her son play with makeup and supported his unconventional path. That early encouragement planted seeds for an empire worth hundreds of millions.
Today, their restored relationship stands as testimony to the power of forgiveness. Both mother and son chose healing over pride, vulnerability over silence. Their journey offers hope to families separated by pain, distance, or time.
