Based on what you've said (I think the Ticking is separate... probably just a bad lifter or something)... Most likley a Bad TCC solonoid. It's not unlocking the converter, so there is no slip when stopping... kinda like not pressing on the clutch on a standard trans while leaving it in gear.
Pretty common problem in GM FWD transmissions as they get around 125+K on them... I've had 3 go out on me on seperate cars in the last year.
CHeap fix if it's just a beater... Find the power wire to the TCC switch and unplug or cut it (make sure that it's not locked up when you do this though). That'll also let you diagnose it (if you can just unplug it easiely) to make sure it's the prob.
OR... you can replace the TCC... On my cars (92 transport, 96 Grand am, and 94 Sunbird that's getting ready to go out)... both the 92 & 96 had to have the trans dropped in order to get to it
. Not worth it to me so I just cut the wire on the 92 (sold the 96), drove for another 40K on the 92, then sold it to a friend (real cheap)... and he is still driving it... has over 240K miles on it now(I cut it at 154K) and still going with no problems after cutting the wire (well... except for the Check Engine light allways on).
I don't know yet about the 94 'bird.... It only has 90K on it and is just starting the tell tale "chatter" when it locks up.
Keep in mind.... it could also be fuel related or electrical.... but with a GM and only cutting out when stopping, odd are in favor of the TCC solonoid.
Good Luck.