Hi Louisianagal,
I hope you went and re-posted this question over on the regular rose forum or that you will. That forum is very busy and you will get some good responses.
I can't help but find it funny when you mention dealing with roses in colder temps. Come up here! lol. The winter temps in Tupelo aren't going to have an effect on the roses you can grow. You have to come a little more north for that to start happening.
If you were successful with keeping the roses healthy in Louisiana, you should do just fine in Mississippi: )
Good luck with your new garden,
Remy