Cumberland, MD - Arettia Cave Nair, 99, of Cumberland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Egle Nursing and Rehab, where she had been a resident for more than 12 years.

Born May 5, 1926, in Harrisburg, Va., she was the eldest daughter of the late Virgie and Albert Randolph Cave Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by loving husband of 54 years, the Rev. Robert L. Nair; brothers, Albert Jr., Adolph and Arlo Cave; brother-in-law, Norman Secrist; sisters-in-law, Mary and Betty Cave.

Arettia attended Broadway High School and, upon graduation, married the love of her life and began her role as the preacher's wife for more than 45 years. She was very active in church activities. You could always locate her in the kitchen helping to cook and serve meals. She had a passion for children. She loved helping in the nursery and teaching Sunday school and Bible school. Many of her Saturdays were spent baking bread and delicious pies for her Sunday meals with friends and family. She always set a Sunday table with a linen table cloth and napkins adorned with her finest china and crystal.

She was an excellent baker and cook. She enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower garden. She enjoyed fresh-cut flowers in her kitchen from her garden. Arettia and Robert were foster parents to over 100 children for more than 35 years.

Arettia is survived by her daughters, Brenda Wilson, Cumberland, and Teresa Waugerman (David), Ridgeley, W.Va.; son, Robert Nair, Cumberland; granddaughters, Robbi Duke (Doug), Dover, Delaware and Lauren Wilson, Cumberland; great-grandson, James Duke; and her sister, Anna Secrist, Richmond, Va., with whom she was very close.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated after the service.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. John Miller officiating. The family will receive an hour prior to the service.

Interment will be held at a later date in Harrisburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Condolences may be left at www.scarpellifh.com.