Well, this movie is based on a book published in 1983, although they apparently took some liberties with the plot. But that aside, I can at least address your first point.
Death curses/omens have been around in folklore for centuries. One example is the Black Shuck, a ghostly dog that's supposed to haunt East Anglia. If it looks into your eyes, legend says you'll be dead within a year. Some cultures associate birds with death - an owl hooting over your head at night is supposed to mean you're doomed, and a fantail flying into your house means the same thing. If you see six crows in one place you're also screwed (apparently).
The Woman in Black is actually pretty similar to a banshee, with the fearsome appearance and the screaming and all, but I don't know if that was intentional. In any case, I don't think the idea came from Darkness Falls or The Ring.
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